The impoverished Haitian slums are filled with murals depicting him as the Argentinian rebel Ernesto “Che” Guevara, over whom he reigns.
During interviews, he presents himself as a God-fearing version of Robin Hood from the Caribbean and praises activists and rebels such as Fidel Castro, Thomas Sankara, and Malcolm X.
“I also admire Martin Luther King,” shared Jimmy Chérizier, the leader of a Haitian gang, during his interview with Jon Lee Anderson of The New Yorker last year. “However, he didn’t believe in using guns for fighting, whereas I wield them as my weapon.”
The recent uprising led by a powerful gang against the government of Haiti has brought widespread attention to Chérizier, a charismatic and armed 47-year-old criminal, who has a reputation for seeking the spotlight.
In the last five years, the Haitian rebel, known as the leading spokesperson for the gang rebellion against Prime Minister Ariel Henry, has received various foreign journalists in his territory in an attempt to explain and justify his claimed virtuous and violent mission to protect the impoverished urban population of his country.
“I am not guilty of theft, kidnapping, or assault. I am simply fighting for a social cause,” Chérizier stated to the Associated Press during an interview last year, as he sat outside a house covered in bullet holes.
In a 2022 conversation with Vice, Chérizier referred to his disorganized favela militia as “a sociopolitical organization and power that is advocating for the marginalized.”
According to experts, the reality of Chérizier, also known as Babekyou or Barbecue, is much more intricate and unpleasant.
Chérizier was born in the 1970s during the oppressive and dishonest reign of Baby Doc Duvalier. In his earlier statements, he mentioned being one of eight children and losing his father at five years old. He and his siblings were raised by their mother in Delmas, a poverty-stricken neighborhood in Port-au-Prince. She earned a living by selling fried chicken on the streets.
According to Chérizier, his mother’s job is what gave him the nickname Barbecue, although some argue that his tendency to burn his victims was the true cause.
Prior to becoming known as the dominant leader of a gang in Haiti, Chérizier held a position in the country’s national police force. He served in the Unité départementale de maintien d’ordre, a unit responsible for controlling riots, which has faced allegations of fatally shooting protestors.
The phrase guiding Haiti’s police force is “proteger et servir”, meaning to protect and serve. However, Chérizier, who has openly expressed admiration for François “Papa Doc” Duvalier, father of Baby Doc, seems to not uphold these principles.
In 2018, he was removed from the police for accusations of being involved in numerous offenses. This includes a devastating incident in the La Saline slum where 71 individuals were murdered, seven women were sexually assaulted, and 400 houses were set on fire.
Chérizier, the leader of the G9 Family and Allies gang alliance, has denied any wrongdoing. However, he has been officially reprimanded by both the US and the UN for his alleged involvement in criminal activities. The G9 holds influence over several major slums and main roads in Port-au-Prince, enabling Chérizier to disrupt the country’s functioning on multiple occasions by blocking petrol supplies and forcing the closure of schools and hospitals.
According to Louis-Henri Mars, the director of Haitian charity Lakou Lapè, he is an illicit entrepreneur.
“In 2020, myself and other individuals working towards peace visited him to urge him to cease his attacks on the Bel Air neighborhood in Port-au-Prince. Although he gave us reassurances, he persisted in destroying people’s homes. He may listen, but ultimately, he prioritizes his own interests.”
Mars, in an interview with the Financial Times, likened the gangster to a volcano, always on the edge of exploding. Describing him as a charismatic and intellectual figure, Mars also acknowledged his tendency towards violence.
Similar to numerous Haitian leaders of criminal activities, Chérizier also has strong ties to high-ranking politicians. It was speculated that he had a close relationship with the former president Jovenel Moïse, whose murder in 2021 sparked the current chaos.
It is believed that Chérizier may have his own ambitions in politics.
Stuart Ramsay, a correspondent for Sky News, praised Barbecue for his charismatic nature and noted his strong political skills. Following their meeting in 2023, Ramsay was immediately aware of Barbecue’s impressive abilities.
The person views themselves as a rebel battling against the corrupt practices of the government and wealthy businessmen. However, let us not forget that they are ultimately a criminal.
According to Diego Da Rin, a specialist on Haiti for the International Crisis Group, Chérizier’s portrayal of himself as a tough but compassionate leader of the impoverished community does have some truth to it. Da Rin explained, “He commemorates Mother’s Day by giving gifts to women and helps families who cannot afford to send their children to school. However, people are also aware that he is one of the primary figures accountable for the dire situation they are facing.”
The situation worsened dramatically this week when Chérizier declared that he would lead a large gang to attack Henry’s government. He then instructed his gunmen to cause chaos on the streets. Since the attacks began on February 29th, numerous businesses and police stations have been set on fire, the international airport has been shut down, a large number of dangerous criminals have been released from prison, and the port has been under siege.
Henry, who was in Africa at the start of the rebellion, has remained silent and unable to go back to his home.
“Regrettably, Barbecue is currently the most influential individual in Haiti,” stated Judes Jonathas, an autonomous advisor located in Port-au-Prince.
Source: theguardian.com
