Les Mawozos, le gang qui fait trembler Haïti

Investigations et Enquêtes29 minutes read

Violent gangs, like the one led by Barbecue, spread fear and chaos in Haiti through kidnappings, assaults, and control of neighborhoods. The population, along with students and monks, protests against the rampant violence and corruption, demanding an end to the insecurity and chaos in the country.

Insights

  • Gangs in Haiti, like Barbecue's group, operate as quasi-militias, terrorizing neighborhoods and engaging in extreme violence, including kidnappings and brutal treatment of victims, instilling fear and chaos among the population.
  • The violence in Haiti, fueled by political alliances with armed gangs, has led to a breakdown of security and law enforcement, leaving residents vulnerable to constant threats, protests, and economic decline, emphasizing the urgent need for stability and peace in the country to protect its citizens and rebuild society.

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Recent questions

  • What is the situation like in Haiti?

    Haiti faces rampant violence, kidnappings, and gang control.

  • Who are the gang leaders in Haiti?

    Gang leaders like "Barbecue" are notorious for extreme violence.

  • How do residents in Haiti cope with insecurity?

    Residents navigate narrow paths to avoid being targeted.

  • What is the impact of violence on Haiti's economy?

    Violence leads to a decline in businesses and tourism.

  • How do Westerners in Haiti deal with insecurity?

    Westerners face challenges and flee to safer locations.

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Summary

00:00

Haiti's Gang Violence and Kidnappings: A Crisis

  • Heading towards Gonaïves, a high-risk appointment awaits in one of Haiti's main cities.
  • A gang controlling multiple neighborhoods, introduces themselves as a citizens' militia defending their area.
  • 76 armed bands officially identified in Haiti, known for assaults, rackets, and violence.
  • Gang leaders like "Barbecue" are notorious for extreme violence, burning people alive in their homes.
  • Kidnappings rampant in Haiti, with 10 people abducted daily, causing fear among the population.
  • French religious individuals held hostage, negotiations stalled at $1 million ransom demand.
  • Victims of kidnappings face brutal treatment, like Magdala who was burned and traumatized.
  • Gang leader Barbecue, once a police officer, now leads the G9 federation controlling city neighborhoods.
  • Church institutions in Haiti targeted by gangs for money, facing threats and kidnappings.
  • Father Benjamin, a catechism teacher, struggles with lack of funds for rebuilding post-earthquake structures.

19:33

Haiti's Violence: Impact on Education and Economy

  • Many 3rd grade students in Haiti rely on family abroad to pay for their schooling, facing daily stress due to the violent environment in their neighborhood.
  • The college is situated in a conflict zone controlled by a gang leader named Barbecue, leading to frequent raids and violence.
  • Human rights defender Brice Destin highlights the constant abuses faced by residents in the Haut Bel-Air district, living under siege conditions.
  • Residents navigate through narrow paths to avoid being targeted by snipers, facing constant threats and dangers.
  • Barbecue and his gang, G9, engage in violent attacks to control neighborhoods and polling stations, causing numerous casualties and destruction.
  • The violence in Haiti is fueled by political parties arming gangs to maintain power, leading to widespread chaos and fear among the population.
  • The police are often unable to stop the violence, with gangs possessing heavy weapons and outmatching law enforcement.
  • The population, including students and monks, protests against kidnappings and corruption, demanding an end to the rampant violence.
  • The adoption rate in Haiti declines due to insecurity, leaving many children vulnerable and without proper care or families.
  • The economic impact of the violence is evident as Westerners flee the country, leading to a significant downturn in businesses and tourism.

40:13

Challenges and Resilience in Haiti's Security

  • Security sector in Haiti is prosperous, with around 30 companies protecting the wealthy and major businesses, employing 15,000 armed men.
  • Virginie Tilus, a French humanitarian living in Haiti, faces challenges like limited electricity and water, relying on solar panels and a cistern for basic needs.
  • Insecurity in Haiti has led to Virginie living like a prisoner in her own home, avoiding going out due to fear of kidnapping and hostility towards Westerners.
  • Virginie's NGO focuses on waste management, transforming a garbage dump near a school into a garden, promoting environmental and health awareness.
  • French expats in Haiti face increasing insecurity, leading many to leave Port-au-Prince, with some seeking refuge in Jacmel, a safer but challenging location to reach due to dangerous roads.
  • Jacmel, a coastal town, offers a peaceful environment compared to Port-au-Prince, with a Frenchwoman named Claudie successfully running a pension and restaurant catering to local clientele.
  • French hostages in Haiti are released after 19 days of captivity, with Sister Agnès and Father Michel recounting their ordeal, emphasizing the need for peace and stability in the country despite the challenges they faced.
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