Barbecue | Haiti's Most Wanted Gang Leader

Recent questions

• What is the situation like in Haiti?

  Haiti faces rampant gang violence, with armed groups like "Ambachal" accused of assault, robberies, and rape. The country is plagued by 76 armed gangs involved in theft and murder, leading to a surge in kidnappings, with ten people abducted daily in the capital. Gangs like the Mawozos, led by "A Hundred-Day Death," showcase brutality on social media, instilling fear in the population and law enforcement. The situation is further exacerbated by political parties fueling gang wars, with leaders like "Barbecue" known for extreme violence, including burning people alive in their homes.

• How do people in Haiti cope with the violence?

  Inhabitants of areas like High Bel Air have lived under siege for two years, staying close to walls to avoid bullets and relying on scouts to navigate safely. Father Benjamin, a priest in a conflict zone controlled by gangs, faces threats and kidnappings, highlighting the dangers faced by religious figures. Despite the pervasive fear and instability, the Catholic school where Father Benjamin teaches struggles to operate, with students dreaming of emigrating to escape the violence. The police are unable to arrest gang leaders like Barbecue due to fear of heavy weapons and lack of orders, leaving residents to navigate daily shootings and roadblocks due to kidnappings.

• What challenges do French immigrants face in Haiti?

  French immigrants like Virginie face animosity towards Westerners and the French in Haiti but remain committed to their work. Virginie's NGO transformed an unauthorized dump into a Garden of Eden for schoolchildren, planting strawberries and bromeliad with medicinal properties for COVID. Some French immigrants have moved to safer locations like Jacmel, facing challenges such as dangerous roads and lack of regulations. Despite the civil war atmosphere, negotiations led to the release of French hostages after 19 days of captivity, with reduced ransom payments and good health upon release.

• How do armed gangs in Haiti operate?

  Armed gangs in Haiti, like the G9 gang led by Barbecue, are involved in theft, murder, and extreme violence. Gangs present themselves as citizen militias defending neighborhoods against violence, despite being accused of serious crimes like assault and rape. Gang leaders like "A Hundred-Day Death" showcase brutality on social media, instilling fear in the population and law enforcement. The police struggle to arrest gang leaders due to fear of heavy weapons and lack of orders, allowing gangs to operate with impunity and fueling a climate of constant instability and fear.

• What is the impact of gang violence on everyday life in Haiti?

  The pervasive gang violence in Haiti has led to a surge in kidnappings, with ten people abducted daily in the capital, creating a climate of constant instability and fear. Residents in conflict zones like High Bel Air live under siege, staying close to walls to avoid bullets and relying on scouts to navigate safely. The Catholic school where Father Benjamin teaches struggles to operate amidst the violence, with students dreaming of emigrating to escape the pervasive fear and instability. Despite the challenges, some French immigrants have moved to safer locations like Jacmel, facing dangerous roads and lack of regulations in their daily lives.