Haiti's infamous gang leader, Jimmy "Barbecue" Chérizier, has vocally opposed the impending arrival of an international force tasked with quelling the violence in the country. Chérizier, who heads a coalition of criminal groups, has declared that his organization is prepared for a prolonged conflict that will result in "a lot of bloodshed."
Chérizier's statements come in the midst of a surge in violence in Haiti, prompting increased demands from civilians and police officers for the removal and arrest of the country's police chief, Frantz Elbé, as reported by The Associated Press.
With the escalation of violence, thousands more have been displaced from their homes. The international force, led by Kenya and comprising members from six other countries—the Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Benin, Chad, and Jamaica—appears to be nearing deployment after months of delays. U.S. military planes have already begun landing in Haiti, with civilian contractors working to secure the airport before establishing a base of operations and supplies for the force.
Meanwhile, Haiti's recently-appointed transitional council is working to stabilize its position following a tumultuous start that included a reversal on the announcement of a prime minister. The police authorities are urging the transitional council to demand the resignation of the police chief, citing ongoing losses of premises, equipment, and officers, according to a Haitian police union.
In another statement, Chérizier attributed the ongoing violence to the government and the country's elites, accusing them of creating the gangs to carry out illicit activities on their behalf. Despite acknowledging reports of extortion and sexual assault against vulnerable groups, Chérizier insisted that these actions were allowed by the government.
He also criticized the U.S., alleging that Washington bears responsibility for Haiti's situation by interfering in the country's governance and preventing Haitians from determining their own future. According to Chérizier, the transitional council does not represent the will of the Haitian people but rather reflects the desires of the U.S.
Over 360,000 people have been displaced from their homes, and millions are unable to go about their daily lives due to the persistent violence in the streets. Gangs are believed to control approximately 80% of the capital, Port-au-Prince. The recent escalation of violence saw gangs taking control of another police station in the Gressier neighborhood over the weekend, according to social media posts reviewed by AP. One individual filmed himself declaring, "The town is ours. We have no limits."