The Economist explains

Who is Jimmy “Barbecue” Chérizier, Haiti’s most prominent gang leader?

The warlord is one of the country’s most powerful men—for now

Gang Leader Jimmy 'Barbecue' Cherizier with G-9 federation gang members in the Delmas 3 area, Port-au-Prince, Haiti.
Photograph: Getty Images

IN THE DAYS since Haiti’s gangs took advantage of a trip abroad by Ariel Henry, the prime minister, to seize control of prisons and police stations, only one man seems to have authority. Jimmy “Barbecue” Chérizier, the country’s most prominent warlord, has been as present and vocal as Mr Henry has been absent and silent, stranded in Puerto Rico. On March 12th, after a meeting in Jamaica of leaders from Caribbean countries and officials from elsewhere, including Antony Blinken, the American secretary of state, Mr Chérizier achieved his stated aim: Mr Henry said he would resign as soon as a transitional government was in place. Who is the gang leader apparently calling the shots in Haiti?

From the March 16th 2024 edition

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