In the heart of Haiti, the security situation is bogged down in a climate of extreme tension between law enforcement and armed groups. Jimmy Cherizier, better known by the nickname “Barbecue,” feared leader of the gang coalition “Viv Ansanm,” recently issued a solemn warning through a message published on November 15. Faced with the increasing police operations, he calls on the populations of Port-au-Prince to be cautious and promises a strong retaliation against the mobilization of security forces. This statement comes in a context where the Haitian National Police, in coordination with the Haitian Armed Forces and the Gang Repression Force, is intensifying its efforts to break the gangs’ dominance in several sensitive neighborhoods. The confrontation between “Viv Ansanm” and the security apparatus thus promises to be extremely violent, with Jimmy Cherizier at the center, symbol of gang resistance in the Haitian capital.
This new episode reflects the severe security crisis plaguing Haiti, making the state of security nationwide increasingly worrisome day by day. The coalition leader, a former police officer turned one of the most influential mafia bosses, embodies alone the complexity of this urban violence. His calls to the population and threats raise questions about the means to restore balance and ensure peace in a region undermined by insecurity for several years. The announcement of a high-risk Monday by Jimmy Cherizier highlights a particularly critical phase and the gangs’ ability to openly challenge the Haitian state. In this context, the international community is closely monitoring developments, while some powers, including the United States, conduct targeted actions such as offering a reward for Barbecue’s capture.
Context and stakes of the police mobilization against the coalition “Viv Ansanm”
The rise of a gang coalition such as “Viv Ansanm” reflects an aggravated security issue within Haiti, where organized crime has firmly established itself by taking advantage of an institutional vacuum. Jimmy Cherizier, a former resigning police officer, managed to unite previously fragmented groups around him to form this influential coalition, now capable of standing up to security forces.
Recent joint operations between the Haitian National Police, the Armed Forces, and specialized units are part of a clear willingness to restore some form of control in sensitive neighborhoods such as Tabarre or Croix-des-Bouquets, severely affected by gang violence. On Friday, November 14, a major operation dismantled a significant part of the “400 Mawozo” network, a circumstantial ally or rival in the grand game of territories controlled on the outskirts of Port-au-Prince.
This police mobilization is reflected in several concrete actions:
- 🔹 Seizures of a significant arsenal of weapons and ammunition used in armed clashes.
- 🔹 Major human losses among gang ranks, with leaders and lieutenants targeted.
- 🔹 Strengthening police presence in previously uncontrolled areas.
- 🔹 Suspension of all police leave and permissions to maintain maximum availability.
- 🔹 Increased coordination between national law enforcement and international organizations involved in the fight against crime.
Table: Major police operations against the gangs “Viv Ansanm” and associates
| 📅 Date | ⚔️ Target | 📍 Intervention area | 🔫 Effects | 🚨 Follow-up |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| November 14, 2025 | Group “400 Mawozo” | Tabarre, Croix-des-Bouquets | Arsenal seized, human losses | Police reinforcement and increased vigilance |
| Since October 2025 | Coalition “Viv Ansanm” | Port-au-Prince | Regular control operations | Suspension of police leave |
This dynamic signals an escalation of urban violence and major challenges faced by Haiti to secure its territories. Beyond the mere armed confrontation, the fight also takes the form of a symbolic battle between the State and criminal structures that have imposed their law.
The controversial figure of Jimmy Cherizier, aka “Barbecue,” leader of “Viv Ansanm”
Jimmy Cherizier, nicknamed “Barbecue,” is undoubtedly one of the most complex and emblematic figures of the Haitian security crisis. A former policeman, he turned to organized delinquency and became the recognized leader of the gang coalition “Viv Ansanm,” uniting several influential armed groups in the capital. His trajectory illustrates the phenomenon of gang resistance that defies both state authority and pacification attempts.
“Barbecue” is not content with a gang leader position: he also claims to be a political actor and skips steps, openly calling on the population to choose between him and the state. His recent video message imposed a discourse in which he invites Port-au-Prince residents to avoid the streets to prevent risks, a strategy that demonstrates a certain form of territorial control, albeit criminal.
Some key points about Jimmy Cherizier’s profile:
- 🔥 His nickname comes from his involvement in firearm attacks and urban arson.
- 🔥 He is considered a symbol of the “Viv Ansanm” coalition, embodying their unity and resistance.
- 🔥 Former policeman, he knows the methods and weaknesses of the National Police, giving him a strategic advantage.
- 🔥 He is wanted by international authorities, notably with a $5 million reward announced by the FBI for his capture.
- 🔥 His popularity in some neighborhoods also stems from a protectionist offer in the absence of the State.
Here is a summary table of his influence and recent developments concerning him:
| 🌍 Aspect | 🔎 Description |
|---|---|
| Origin | Former Haitian police officer, resigned |
| Role | Leader of the “Viv Ansanm” gang coalition |
| Threat | Calls for strong retaliation against police mobilization |
| Reward | $5 million offered by the FBI for his capture |
| Local impact | Effective control of several Port-au-Prince neighborhoods |
To understand this man, one must consider him both as a security threat and an actor with legitimacy mixed with popular defiance against the State. His influence lies at the heart of the challenges of maintaining security in Haiti.
The consequences of a strong retaliation announced by “Viv Ansanm” on Haiti’s stability
The announcement by Jimmy Cherizier of a strong retaliation triggers a high-risk phase, likely to further worsen the spiral of violence already severely affecting Haiti. This reaction presents itself as a fierce resistance to the increasing police mobilization, threatening to generate a cycle of prolonged clashes.
Several immediate consequences are to be expected:
- ⚠️ A probable increase in urban violence in the neighborhoods under “Viv Ansanm” control.
- ⚠️ Direct impacts on daily life, with calls for confinement addressed to the population.
- ⚠️ A weakening of state authority, which is openly challenged and contested.
- ⚠️ A possible military escalation requiring reinforcement of armed forces and police.
- ⚠️ The threat of regional instability affecting the Greater Caribbean.
The impact on security therefore remains considerable, with risks of social and economic paralysis. The civilian population is almost always caught in the crossfire of these conflicts, suffering violence, restrictions, and forced displacement.
Table: Expected consequences of a strong retaliation by “Viv Ansanm”
| 🎯 Effect | 📉 Societal impact | 📊 Medium-term consequences |
|---|---|---|
| Increase in armed clashes | Loss of civilian lives and forced displacements | Decrease in trust in institutions |
| Transport and business blockages | Local economic paralysis | Increased poverty and unemployment |
| Distrust toward authorities | Weakening of the State’s role | Possible international interventions |
This convergence of effects must prompt the national and international community to reflect on solutions to exit this crisis. The fight against the chains of urban violence requires a strategy that is both firm and integrative.
Response and strategies of the Haitian National Police facing “Barbecue”’s threats
The Haitian National Police immediately took Jimmy Cherizier’s threat seriously. In response, it suspended all leave and permissions starting November 16, a strong sign of full mobilization to face this security challenge. All forces are now focused on the effective neutralization of gangs, while trying to reduce risks for the civilian population.
The strategies deployed include several aspects:
- 🚓 Maintaining increased presence in sensitive areas, notably Port-au-Prince.
- 🚓 Enhanced cooperation with the Armed Forces and the Gang Repression Force.
- 🚓 Gathering information to anticipate movements of the “Viv Ansanm” coalition.
- 🚓 Raising population awareness to avoid confrontation zones.
- 🚓 Calls to the international community for logistical and security support.
The website Radio Télé Monopole highlights that this mobilization relies on a context of international support, notably the pressure from the FBI. Indeed, a $5 million reward has been offered for the capture of “Barbecue,” a sign of the seriousness of the threat he poses.
Here is a table summarizing the main measures taken by the National Police:
| 🛡️ Measure | 📅 Implementation date | ⚙️ Objective | 🔍 Expected result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension of police leave | November 16, 2025 | Maximum mobilization | Reactivity to attacks |
| Joint operations in difficult areas | Since November 2025 | Dismantling of networks | Reduction of gang-controlled zones |
| Strengthening international cooperation | Ongoing | Provision of expertise and resources | Improvement of anti-gang fight |
These efforts nevertheless face their limits against well-armed and organized gangs, capable of adapting quickly. The challenge is colossal but crucial for Haiti’s security.
Perspectives and stakes for a return to stability in Haiti facing the rise of gang coalitions
The current situation in Haiti, symbolized by the confrontation between the coalition “Viv Ansanm” led by Jimmy Cherizier and the National Police, reflects the country’s deep institutional and security crisis. To envision lasting appeasement, several avenues must be explored:
- 💡 Institutional strengthening and continuous training of security forces to increase their effectiveness.
- 💡 Social and economic integration programs for youth, as an alternative to gang involvement.
- 💡 Dialogue policies including all local stakeholders to find peaceful solutions.
- 💡 Increased collaboration between Haiti and the international community on peacekeeping and development missions.
- 💡 Fight against corruption to restore trust in public institutions.
The emergence of figures like Jimmy Cherizier also highlights the need for in-depth work to dismantle criminal networks while addressing the social roots of violence.
Table: Key factors for security stabilization in Haiti
| 🔑 Factor | 📈 Description | ⚠️ Associated risk if no action |
|---|---|---|
| Police strengthening | Improvement of material and human resources | Loss of control over gang zones |
| Social integration | Offering alternatives to vulnerable youth | Mass recruitment by gangs |
| National dialogue | Involving all local actors in peaceful resolution | Escalation of violence |
| International cooperation | Technical and financial support | Diplomatic isolation of the country |
| Fight against corruption | Enhanced transparency and justice | Loss of trust in the State |
Without a multidimensional and coherent strategy, security in Haiti risks continuing to deteriorate, leaving populations exposed to gang violence such as that orchestrated by “Viv Ansanm.”
Who is Jimmy Cherizier aka Barbecue?
Jimmy Cherizier, a former police officer who became leader of the gang coalition “Viv Ansanm,” is a major figure in Haitian crime, notably wanted by the FBI with a significant reward for his capture.
What does the gang coalition “Viv Ansanm” represent?
“Viv Ansanm” is a powerful coalition of armed gangs in Port-au-Prince, led by Jimmy Cherizier, controlling several neighborhoods and opposing strong resistance to law enforcement.
What measures has the Haitian National Police taken in response to the threat of retaliation?
In response to “Barbecue”’s threats, the National Police suspended all leave and strengthened operations to counter the coalition, with support from international forces.
What are the main risks of a “Viv Ansanm” retaliation?
An escalation of urban violence, local economic paralysis, population displacement, and weakening of state authority are the major issues of a strong retaliation.
How to envision a return to stability in Haiti?
A return to stability involves strengthening law enforcement, enhanced international cooperation, socio-economic programs, and inclusive national dialogue.