Haiti sees worsening gang violence
The UN warns a disaster in Haiti is escalating as gang violence throughout the nation continues to worsen. (Video courtesy of AP, thumb courtesy of Reuters)
The Trump administration on Friday formally designated two of Haiti’s strongest gang networks, Viv Ansanm and Gran Grif, overseas terrorist organizations (FTOs) and specifically designated international terrorists (SDGTs).
The transfer is aimed toward disrupting the gangs’ operations and supporting efforts to revive order within the troubled Caribbean nation.
The announcement was made in a proper assertion from Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who declared that “the age of impunity for these supporting violence in Haiti is over.”
“These gangs have killed and proceed attacking the individuals of Haiti, Haitian safety forces and multinational safety assist (MSS) mission personnel and are dedicated to overthrowing the federal government of Haiti,” Rubio mentioned. “Their final purpose is making a gang-controlled state the place illicit trafficking and different felony actions function freely and terrorize Haitian residents.”
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Former police officer-turned-gang chief Jimmy “Barbecue” Chérizier walks previous reporters in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, March 11, 2024. (Reuters/Ralph Tedy Erol)
The designations carry severe authorized penalties. People or entities that present materials assist to Viv Ansanm or Gran Grif may face felony prices, loss of immigration benefits or removing from the U.S.
Viv Ansanm shaped in September 2023 by way of an alliance between Haiti’s two principal gang factions, G-9 and G-Pép. The coalition has carried out coordinated assaults on Haitian infrastructure, together with prisons, authorities buildings and the Port-au-Prince worldwide airport. These assaults have been a part of a broader marketing campaign that helped power the resignation of former Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry.
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A person carrying his belongings observes burned autos after gang violence in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Dec. 9, 2024. (Reuters/Ralph Tedy Erol)
Gran Grif operates primarily within the Artibonite area, an important agricultural space. The State Department mentioned the gang has been chargeable for 80% of civilian demise stories in that space since 2022. In February 2025, Gran Grif was linked to an assault that killed a Kenyan officer with the MSS mission.
In keeping with NPR reporting from 2024, Viv Ansanm was spearheaded by Jimmy Chérizier, referred to as Barbecue, a former police officer turned gang chief.
Chérizier helped unify rival gangs underneath a shared purpose of opposing the Haitian authorities. In an interview with NPR, he defended the gang’s actions and blamed Haiti’s political elite for fostering the lawlessness. Although he acknowledged the violence, he claimed the federal government had enabled the circumstances resulting in it.
A girl carries her belongings as she flees armed gang violence in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Dec. 9, 2024. (Reuters/Ralph Tedy Erol)
“These designations play a important function in our struggle in opposition to these vicious teams and are an efficient strategy to curtail assist for his or her terrorist actions,” Rubio mentioned. He additionally warned that U.S. residents and lawful residents who interact in transactions with these teams are exposing themselves to sanctions and prosecution.
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Rubio praised the Haitian Nationwide Police and worldwide companions for his or her efforts in pushing again in opposition to the gangs. “We commend the extraordinary bravery of the Haitian Nationwide Police and all worldwide companions supporting the MSS mission for his or her ongoing efforts to ascertain stability and safety in Haiti,” he mentioned.
He known as on Haitian political leaders to concentrate on restoring peace.
“We urge all of Haiti’s political leaders to prioritize the safety of the Haitian individuals, discover options to cease the violence and make progress towards the restoration of democracy by way of free and honest elections,” Rubio mentioned.
The State Division didn’t instantly reply to Fox Information Digital’s request for remark.
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