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Port-au-Prince, October 21, 2024 – The ongoing struggle between the Haitian National Police (PNH) and gang coalitions in Port-au-Prince has taken on added complexity in recent days. Fresh insights into the formation and objectives of the notorious gang coalition “Viv Ansanm” have sparked further debate about the root causes of Haiti’s escalating violence.
Viv Ansanm’s True Origins: A Continuation of G9 an fanmi (G9 Family and Allies). Contrary to widespread reports that the gang coalition Viv Ansanm was formed in September 2023, Dr. Josue Renaud, leader of the National Human Rights Organization (NEHRO), clarified in an interview with Rezo Nodwes on Sunday that Viv Ansanm is merely a rebranding of the earlier G9 an fanmi. According to Renaud, the organization is led by notorious gang leader Jimmy Cherizier, alias “Barbecue,” and remains backed by elements of the PHTK regime—an administration accused of corruption and mismanagement of public funds.
Renaud further claimed that Helen La Lime, former head of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH), helped baptize this transformation. “Whether called G9 Family and Allies or Viv Ansanm, it is the same criminal structure,” Renaud said, accusing both coalitions of harboring the same goals of terrorizing the population and consolidating political power through fraudulent elections. The violent tactics—killings, arson, and rape—remain consistent under either name, further destabilizing an already fragile nation.
Political Manipulation and Weak Governance The alleged links between Viv Ansanm and Haiti’s political elite cast a shadow over the current government. Prime Minister Garry Conille’s administration has struggled to control the rising tide of violence, with gangs controlling nearly 80% of Port-au-Prince. Conille, who recently adopted a militaristic appearance with a “PM” cap, has raised questions about his leadership style and ability to confront the growing gang problem.
Despite his efforts to appear as a strongman amid the chaos, critics argue that his administration, like that of his predecessor Ariel Henry, has allowed the number of “lost territories” under gang control to increase. The slow response to the crisis has led to rising frustration among the public, with many accusing the government of incompetence or complicity in allowing gangs to thrive.
Challenges for Multinational Forces In an attempt to restore security, Conille’s government is working alongside a multinational force composed of Kenyan police officers, alongside Jamaican and Bahamian troops. However, the mission has yet to yield significant results, as offensive operations have been slow to materialize. The violence has displaced more than 4,000 people from neighborhoods like Solino, Delmas, and Tabarre, further complicating the humanitarian situation.
Haitian police, though supported by the multinational mission, continue to face significant challenges, including a lack of resources and morale. This past week, an operation in the Pernier neighborhood aimed at dislodging the Kraze Baryè gang—led by Vitelhomme Innocent—resulted in the loss of an armored vehicle, underscoring the difficulties that even elite police units face in their fight against heavily armed gangs.
Political Power Play: Viv Ansanm and Election Concerns As Haiti braces for an uncertain future, concerns are growing over the influence of Viv Ansanm in shaping the country’s political landscape. Renaud’s allegations suggest that the gang coalition is deeply embedded in the fabric of Haiti’s ruling class, raising fears that the upcoming elections could be manipulated by gang interests.
The Provisional Electoral Council (CEP), charged with organizing the constitutional referendum, remains under scrutiny for its independence and legitimacy. Many see the political shifts and security challenges as part of a broader effort by the political elite to retain power at the expense of the population’s desire for genuine change.
The Human Cost of the Crisis The humanitarian toll of the violence continues to rise. Displaced families struggle to find safe havens as gang violence spreads across Port-au-Prince. Basic services such as education and healthcare have been severely disrupted, with schools closing in gang-controlled areas and access to medical care limited by ongoing violence.
Despite efforts by international organizations to address the crisis, the sheer scale of the displacement and destruction has overwhelmed local capacity. The police and multinational forces have vowed to continue their operations, but with gangs entrenched and showing no signs of retreat, the situation remains perilous.
