Haiti: Who is Most-Feared Gang Leader Barbecue?

Jimmy Cherizier, also known as "Barbecue," is a former police officer turned prominent Haiti gang leader.

He founded the G9 Family and Allies, a coalition of nine powerful gangs based in Port-au-Prince.

The 46-year-old leader warned on Tuesday that ongoing chaos in the capital could escalate into civil war and "genocide" if Prime Minister Ariel Henry does not resign.

Cherizier, nicknamed 'Barbecue,' has orchestrated significant attacks that have severely impacted Haiti in the past.

However, the intriguing nickname "Barbecue" isn't derived from a history of burning individuals alive; rather, it originates from his mother's roadside fried chicken joint, according to The Sun.

History of a Haiti Gang Leader

Barbecue's criminal career began while he was a police officer in Haiti.

In November 2017, he was involved in an operation that led to the unlawful killing of nine innocent people in Port-au-Prince's Grand Ravine neighborhood.

A year later, still serving as an officer, Barbecue allegedly orchestrated a massacre in La Saline, where at least 71 people died.

This incident led to his dismissal from the police force and a warrant for his arrest.

Evading capture, Barbecue led a violent spree in November 2019 across Bel-Air Port-au-Prince, burning homes and causing deaths.

He received support from senior officials in President Moïse's administration, enabling further attacks aimed at opposition areas.

These actions fueled Barbecue's rise as leader of the Delmas 6 gang.

The G9 alliance formed afterward, ostensibly to restore peace but instead consolidating control and aiding politicians in suppressing dissent.

Moise's assassination in July 2021 marked a critical shift, reducing government funding for Barbecue and the G9.

In protest, Prime Minister Henry Barbecue blockaded Haiti's major oil terminal multiple times to destabilize the government.

In October 2022, Barbecue faced UN sanctions, and he continued his defiance into 2023, warning against foreign intervention and leading armed marches demanding Henry's resignation.

Barbecue's Leadership in Haiti's Criminal Network

Barbecue plays a central role in Haiti's criminal world by leading the G9 coalition.

He acts as a mediator to settle disputes and mobilizes gangs for targeted attacks.

Allegedly, he coordinates with government officials for violent operations.

G9 gangs primarily extort money from local businesses, vendors, and drivers.

They also kidnap people for ransom and control public services like electricity.

There are suspicions of them trafficking weapons.

Barbecue's influence centers in Port-au-Prince, especially in Lower Delmas, where his gang, Delmas 6, operates.

G9's reach extends across neighborhoods like Belecourt, Chancerelles, Martissant, and others.

They also control areas outside Port-au-Prince, like the Cul-de-Sac plain, per the Insight Crime.

Barbecue collaborates closely with other G9 leaders to expand territory and confront rivals.

Despite clashes with groups like G-Pep, linked to opposition factions, Haiti gang leader Barbecue maintains political ties and allegedly influences elections and law enforcement immunity.

G9's ability to control large areas and infrastructure, along with political connections, solidifies Barbecue's influence.

However, challenges from organized rivals like G-Pep pose threats to his dominance in Haiti's criminal landscape.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Ross Key

WATCH: How Jimmy Cherizier became one of Haiti's most feared and powerful figures - From FRANCE 24 English