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Port-au-Prince, Haiti — Local media outlets have reported that Kendy, also known as “Jeff Mafia,” a key figure in the criminal network led by former police officer Jimmy Cherisier, alias “Barbecue,” was killed during an operation by the Haitian National Police (PNH) on Sunday morning in Fort-National.
According to the reports, police intercepted gang members, including Jeff Mafia, who were allegedly preparing to carry out an attack in the area. The confrontation reportedly resulted in the deaths of several other suspected members of the “Viv Ansanm” (Live Together) gang coalition.
Local sources indicate that Jeff Mafia was a central figure in Haiti’s gang structure, frequently seen alongside Cherisier, who leads the “Viv Ansanm” coalition. This coalition has been widely linked to violent crimes, including massacres and extortion, that contribute to the ongoing instability in Haiti’s capital.
While the reported death of Jeff Mafia may mark a significant event, the broader implications for gang operations in Port-au-Prince remain unclear. Gangs are said to control an estimated 80% of the city, creating widespread insecurity and displacement.
Following the reported operation, armed groups retaliated in neighborhoods such as Poupelard, Poste Marchand, and Lalue, according to local media. Gunfire was reportedly heard throughout Sunday, and homes were set on fire, forcing residents to flee. These retaliatory acts highlight the volatile and precarious situation faced by civilians in gang-controlled areas.
These events come amid a surge in violence that has plagued the capital in recent months. Local reports suggest that over 200 people were killed in recent massacres, further compounding the humanitarian crisis in the country.
Despite efforts by the PNH to target prominent gang members, Haiti continues to grapple with widespread instability, with many communities left vulnerable to displacement and violence.
The reported death of Jeff Mafia, if confirmed, would represent a notable action against criminal networks in Port-au-Prince. However, the broader challenges of addressing gang influence and restoring stability to the capital remain significant.
