US Files Charges Against Notorious Haitian Gang Leader "Barbecue"

Jimmy Cherizier, the gang leader known as "Barbecue," faces serious charges from US authorities as they work to combat the surge of gang-related violence in Haiti.

US federal authorities have announced criminal charges against notorious Haitian gang leader Jimmy Cherizier, also known as "Barbecue." Cherizier heads an alliance of gangs that exerts control over much of Port-au-Prince, Haiti's capital. The indictment includes allegations that Cherizier and US citizen Bazile Richardson, 48, solicited funds from the Haitian expatriate community in the US to sustain gang operations and procure firearms, violating US sanctions.

Cherizier, a former police officer who remains at large in Haiti, leads the group Viv Ansanm, which has been implicated in numerous violent incidents, including murders and kidnappings. US Attorney Jeanine Pirro emphasized the severity of Cherizier's actions, noting the substantial $5 million reward for information leading to his arrest. "He's a gang leader responsible for heinous human rights abuses, including violence against American citizens in Haiti," she stated during a press briefing.

Prosecutors also accused Cherizier of involvement in the infamous 2018 La Saline massacre, a horrific event resulting in 71 deaths and extensive property destruction. Richardson, who was arrested last month in Texas and is a naturalized US citizen originally from Haiti, allegedly played a significant role in raising funds to support Cherizier's gang activities, which are perceived as a driving force behind the escalating security crisis in Haiti.

Assistant US Attorney General John Eisenberg reinforced the US commitment to tackling those who contribute to Haiti's turmoil. The State Department categorized Viv Ansanm as a foreign terrorist organization earlier this year, further complicating the political landscape as the group has announced intentions of operating as a political entity.

Cherizier is also facing sanctions from several international bodies, including the UN, Canada, and the UK, all citing his role in exacerbating violence in Haiti. Although his arrest could lead to extradition to the US, Cherizier maintains a considerable level of control over his territory, protected by loyal gang members.

Haiti has descended further into chaos since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021, resulting in a near-total breakdown of law and order, with severe implications for the nation's healthcare system and food security. The humanitarian situation has reached alarming levels, with the UN reporting that over half of Haiti's population, approximately 5.7 million people, is facing acute food insecurity, alongside more than one million internally displaced persons.

Recent attempts by a UN-supported Kenyan-led security force to regain control of the capital have been unsuccessful, as the nation grapples with pervasive gang violence and instability.