The United States has rejected a peace call made by Jimmy Chérizier, better known as Barbecue, one of Haiti’s most feared gang leaders.
US Dismisses Peace Calls
On Monday, September 8, the US Embassy in Haiti issued a strong statement accusing Barbecue of spreading lies. According to the embassy, his recent videos asking for peace were a cover for ongoing crimes.
“Terrorist gangs can make videos and spread lies. They say they want peace, but are the cause of the violence, displacement, and destruction of Haiti. The era of impunity is over,” the statement read.
The embassy urged the public not to fall for such messages and instead help authorities in arresting gang leaders inside and outside Haiti.
Barbecue’s Ceasefire Offer
A week earlier, Barbecue, who heads the Viv Ansanm gang coalition, said he was ready to stop the violence if his demands were met. He promised to withdraw his armed men from Delmas 30, Solino, Christ Roi, and Nazon estates.
For many Haitians, this sounded like relief. A ceasefire would allow thousands of families to return to their homes. Peacekeepers also viewed it as a chance to reduce gang influence.
US Response and Bounty
Despite this, Washington dismissed the peace offer as a trick. Instead, the US sanctioned four more individuals accused of planning and funding gang violence.
Barbecue himself faces accusations of kidnappings, killings, and plotting attacks on key government sites. To capture him, the FBI announced on August 13 that it is offering up to Ksh647 million for information leading to his arrest.
A Nation in Crisis
While Haitians long for peace, the US government insists that stability cannot be negotiated with armed gangs. Authorities say only firm action against gang leaders will restore order to the country.
