US federal prosecutors have charged Jimmy Cherizier, infamously known as "Barbecue," a gang leader who commands a significant portion of Port-au-Prince's criminal landscape. Cherizier, who leads the Viv Ansanm (Live Together) gang alliance, is facing serious allegations including violations of US sanctions related to funding gang operations. The indictment claims that Cherizier and Bazile Richardson, a 48-year-old US citizen, solicited donations from the Haitian community in the US to finance gang members and procure weapons.
Cherizier, previously serving as a police officer, is currently evading arrest in Haiti, with the US offering a $5 million reward for information guiding law enforcement to him. "There's a good reason that there's a $5m reward for information leading to Cherizier's arrest," stated US Attorney Jeanine Pirro at a recent press briefing. "He's a gang leader responsible for heinous human rights abuses, including violence against American citizens in Haiti."
The violent history of Cherizier includes his suspected involvement in the infamous 2018 La Saline massacre, where 71 individuals were killed, thousands of homes were destroyed, and numerous women were victimized. Meanwhile, Richardson was arrested in Texas last month. Residing in North Carolina before his arrest, he allegedly played a key role in financially supporting Cherizier's operations, as detailed by the authorities.
The US government has labeled the Viv Ansanm gang as a foreign terrorist organization due to its role in escalating violence in Haiti. Both Cherizier and Richardson are now under extensive sanctions from multiple international bodies including the United Nations, Canada, and Britain.
Haitian conditions have continued to deteriorate following the 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse, leading to rampant criminal activity and a public health crisis. As gangs maintained their grip over Port-au-Prince, essential services plummeted, exacerbating the food security challenges faced by millions. A recent UN report highlighted that approximately 5.7 million people, which constitutes over half of Haiti's populace, are grappling with acute food insecurity. A Kenya-led security force backed by the UN has struggled to restore order in the capital amidst this growing humanitarian crisis.
