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A widely circulated social media audio/video featuring Jimmy Chérisier, also known as “Barbecue” and one of Haiti’s most powerful gang leaders, has ignited significant debate and scrutiny over the nation’s illegal arms trade and its connections to political and business elites. If verified, Chérisier’s statements offer a rare, unsettling insight into the forces driving violence in the country.
In the interview, Chérisier disclosed details about the illegal trafficking of weapons from the United States to Haiti. He alleged that ammunition cases purchased in Miami for $350 are resold in Haiti for as much as $4,000. Similarly, assault rifles like the AK-47, which he claimed cost around $600 in the U.S., reportedly sell for $14,000 in Haiti’s underground market. These price disparities illustrate the lucrative nature of the arms trade that has exacerbated violence in the country.
Chérisier also touched on the widespread presence and power of gangs in Haiti. With over 200 criminal groups reportedly operating throughout the country, the gangs allegedly maintain around 3,000 armed members, including children and young adults. This vast network, according to Chérisier, thrives on a “criminal market” that enriches arms traffickers who, he claims, often have ties to business sectors and high-ranking state officials.
Frustration over perceived hypocrisy within the system was also evident in Chérisier’s remarks. He expressed discontent about his limited mobility due to heightened security measures, while claiming that major traffickers operate with relative freedom. This sentiment, if true, could reflect broader grievances among Haiti’s criminal actors, underscoring the complex relationship between organized crime, political power, and economic interests.
Haiti has long struggled with issues related to arms trafficking, corruption, and criminal violence, which have undermined governance and hindered development. The interview raises pressing questions about the efficacy of measures aimed at curbing illicit trade and dismantling networks that facilitate the flow of weapons. Chérisier’s statements suggest that a robust and multi-layered response—combining security, justice reform, and economic measures—is necessary to tackle the roots of the crisis.
While Chérisier remains a highly controversial figure and his motivations may be self-serving, the claims made in his interview have renewed calls for accountability and transparency. Human rights advocates and international observers have urged Haitian authorities and international partners to investigate and address the underlying causes of the arms trade and gang violence, which continue to inflict immense suffering on Haiti’s population.
