- Haitian gang leader “Barbecue” claims he’s like Donald Trump, fighting for his country.
- He leads a gang that controls most of Haiti through deadly force.
- Over a million people have been displaced and thousands killed due to gang violence.
- Kenyan officers under UN peace mission have already suffered casualties.
- Tension grows as international efforts to restore calm continue to struggle.
Jimmy Cherizier, known on the streets as “Barbecue”, shocked many after likening himself to U.S. President Donald Trump. In an interview with Dateline, he said Trump’s slogan about “draining the swamp” gave him the courage to stand up against Haiti’s leadership.
Claiming Patriotism Amid Chaos
Barbecue said he is a true patriot just like Trump, aiming to change a broken system. According to him, his war is not about violence but about rescuing Haiti from corrupt politicians and power-hungry elites.
Violence in the Name of Peace
Despite his words, Barbecue leads Viv Ansanm, one of the most dangerous gangs in Haiti, responsible for taking over close to 85% of the country. Their operations have spread fear and destruction across communities.
US Labels Gangs as Terrorists
His comments came shortly after the United States officially declared his gang and others as terrorist groups on May 2. He, however, blames Haiti’s leaders for the unrest, accusing them of blocking peace efforts.
Haiti’s Crisis Leaves a Trail of Death
More than one million people have been forced out of their homes, and over 5,000 people have lost their lives in 2024 alone due to ongoing gang violence. UN figures show at least 1,600 deaths occurred in just the first three months of 2025.
Kenyan Peacekeepers Pay the Price
Kenya, part of the international mission to bring back order in Haiti, has already suffered tragic losses. A Kenyan officer was seriously injured during a February 23 operation in Artibonite and died after being flown to hospital.
Mystery Surrounds Second Officer’s Death
On March 25, another Kenyan officer was shot in the same region. A viral video showed him lying lifeless, but his body hasn’t been recovered. The National Police Service is yet to confirm his death publicly.
A Nation in Crisis, A World Watching
With gangs running wild and peacekeeping forces under pressure, Haiti’s situation remains dangerous. Barbecue insists he’s fighting for the good of his country, but the world sees his movement as a major threat to stability.
