Haiti, a nation situated in the Caribbean, has plunged into turmoil due to escalating gang conflicts, prompting the United States to evacuate non-essential personnel from its embassy and the Haitian government to declare a state of emergency.
The unrest stems from a series of attacks by gangs on airports, police stations, and prisons, resulting in the escape of thousands of inmates.
At the forefront of this chaos is Jimmy Cherizier, also known as 'Babekyou' or 'Barbecue', the leader of the infamous 'G9 and Family' gang, who has now emerged as the most influential figure in Haiti, as reported by the New York Post.
Cherizier earned the grim nickname 'Barbecue' due to his alleged practice of burning people alive.
Amidst Cherizier's ascendancy, a disturbing video has surfaced showing a member of a purported 'cannibal' gang consuming human flesh. While some of these videos have been taken down, there are indications that they are several years old.
The recent surge of violence led by Cherizier aims to overthrow Prime Minister Ariel Henry, intensifying after the Prime Minister departed for a regional summit last week.
Despite attempts by Prime Minister Henry to return, his efforts were thwarted by armed conflicts near the international airport, preventing him from landing in the Haitian capital.
Reports of cannibalism and extreme violence have surfaced, underscoring the unprecedented level of brutality engulfing Haiti's streets. While instances of cannibalism are not widespread, they serve as grim indicators of the deteriorating situation.
Multiple videos depicting the chaos in Haiti have emerged, including scenes of panicked civilians fleeing gunfire. However, some posts containing such footage have been removed.
Reacting to these disturbing visuals, President Nayib Bukele of El Salvador drew parallels with similar past events in his own country and called for the eradication of gangs in Haiti.
Jimmy Cherizier, the notorious gang leader known as 'Barbecue', is a former police officer who was dismissed from the force in 2018 due to his alleged involvement in heinous crimes, including the massacre in the La Saline slums.
Cherizier, who adamantly denies any wrongdoing, assumed leadership of the 'G9 and Family' gang, consolidating control over the streets and slums of Port-au-Prince, the capital city of Haiti.
If the current government is overthrown, Cherizier, notorious for his ruthless tactics and ominous alias, may seize power, further exacerbating the turmoil in Haiti.
