Former Haitian police officer Jimmy Chérizier, known as “Barbeque,” is causing chaos in Haiti as he leads a violent campaign to seize control of the country. Accused of orchestrating multiple massacres in Port-au-Prince, Chérizier has left dozens dead, some burned alive in their own homes.
Claiming to understand ghetto life and insisting he would never harm people in his own social class, Chérizier has made it clear that he is willing to shed blood to achieve his goals and start a revolution. Prime Minister Ariel Henry has resigned and dissolved his government as Chérizier and armed gangs loyal to him have taken control of parts of Port-au-Prince, sparking a mass jailbreak that freed thousands of gang members.
In recent interviews, Chérizier has likened himself to historical figures such as Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, and Fidel Castro, expressing admiration for Haitian dictator Francois “Papa Doc” Duvalier. Aligned with the powerful Haitian Tèt Kale Party (PHTK), Chérizier has been filling the power vacuum in Haiti as Prime Minister Henry remains marooned in Puerto Rico.
A former officer in the Haitian National Police, Chérizier, believed to be in his late 40s, has been accused of planning and participating in multiple deadly attacks. Since October 11, 2022, Chérizier has been blocking fuel supplies, contributing to the economic paralysis and humanitarian crisis in Haiti, according to the U.N.
As Haiti continues to spiral into chaos under Chérizier’s leadership, the international community watches closely to see how the situation will unfold in the coming days and weeks.
“Prone to fits of apathy. Devoted music geek. Troublemaker. Typical analyst. Alcohol practitioner. Food junkie. Passionate tv fan. Web expert.”