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The ongoing crisis in Haiti has taken a perilous turn, with the leader of the G9 gang alliance, Jimmy “Barbecue” Chérizier, issuing a chilling warning of “civil war” if Prime Minister Ariel Henry doesn’t step down.
This threat was delivered as his gang attempted to seize control of the capital’s airport, aiming to thwart Henry’s return to the country.
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The violence, orchestrated by the G9 alliance, has escalated in recent days, involving attacks on police stations and a large-scale prison riot in Jacmel. This unrest has led to widespread displacement, with thousands of Haitians being directly affected.
Barbecue’s ultimatum on Tuesday underscored the deeply entrenched political instability in Haiti, as gang-related violence compounds the challenges facing the nation. The G9 alliance has been a significant source of unrest, with their actions further exacerbating the already dire situation.
Prime Minister Ariel Henry, who was on an official visit to Kenya, found himself caught in the crossfire. The violence intensified during his absence, prompting fears that the G9 gang leader believed Henry would use international forces from Kenya to solidify his grip on power.
The political landscape in Haiti has been turbulent since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in July 2021. Henry assumed power without an election, contributing to claims of an illegitimate rule.
Critics argue that, even after two and a half years, Henry has failed to organize promised presidential elections, leaving a leadership vacuum and fertile ground for gang dominance.
The prime minister’s response to the crisis remains elusive, with Henry yet to address the public directly. Instead, he has retweeted the state of emergency declaration issued by one of his ministers in his absence.
His whereabouts were unknown for days until he was reported to have flown from New Jersey to Puerto Rico, unable to land in Haiti due to the airport’s closure amid ongoing fighting.
Barbecue, the gang leader, urged Haitians to unite, advocating for the creation of a “council of elders” to replace the prime minister. This proposed council would include civil society representatives from different regions, as suggested by Barbecue in the past.
The situation in Haiti has prompted an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council to address the escalating violence. Reports indicate that approximately 15,000 people have been displaced by the conflict, underscoring the humanitarian toll of the crisis.
As Haiti grapples with political instability, gang violence, and a lack of elected officials, the future remains uncertain. The need for international intervention to restore stability and ensure the well-being of the Haitian people has become increasingly urgent.
