Port-au-Prince, Haiti – August 26, 2024: Haitian gang leader Jimmy Cherizier, commonly known as Barbecue, has publicly called on the Kenyan government to withdraw its troops from Haiti, warning of potential bloodshed if they remain. In a 40-minute interview conducted in French and published on August 23, Barbecue referred to the Kenyan officers as his "brothers" and expressed a desire to avoid a confrontation that could lead to losses on both sides.
Accusations Against Western Powers and Haitian Oligarchs
Barbecue accused Western countries, particularly the United States, France, and Canada, along with Haitian oligarchs, of instigating the violence that has plunged Haiti into chaos. He claimed that the firearms used by rival gangs in the ongoing violence were financed by politicians and wealthy elites seeking to destabilize the country for their own benefit.
He also criticized the role of Caricom (Caribbean Community) in imposing a government in Haiti that he believes serves only to protect foreign interests, not the Haitian people.
Warnings to Kenyan Troops
Barbecue's call for Kenya to withdraw its forces comes after he previously threatened to shoot down Kenyan police officers, whom he labeled as invaders. Despite these threats, he expressed a complex view during the interview, portraying himself as a protector of Haitian sovereignty while also cautioning against unnecessary violence.
"When you see a Haitian, it is like you have seen an African. Until you hear me speak, you cannot tell whether I am a Haitian or an African," Barbecue remarked, emphasizing a shared heritage and expressing his reluctance to engage in conflict with African forces.
He warned that the Multinational Security Mission, which includes Kenyan troops, would likely fail just as previous interventions had, arguing that dialogue was the only viable solution to Haiti's crisis.
A Plea for Peace Amidst a Violent Struggle
Barbecue’s mixed message—part warning, part plea—reflects the ongoing complexities of the Haitian crisis. While he urged Kenya to avoid confrontation, he simultaneously maintained his readiness to die for Haiti’s liberation, describing the struggle as a fight for the country’s future.
"I don't care if they are white or black. If they're not Haitian and they're on Haitian soil, they're invaders," Barbecue declared. "It's a bloodbath, It's a fight for the country, and I will fight for it even if I die. I am sure there will be successors and there will be other people who will continue with this fight."
Ongoing Unrest in Haiti
Haiti remains in turmoil, with gang violence rampant and political instability pervasive. The Kenyan troops, part of a broader multinational effort, have been deployed to help stabilize the situation, but Barbecue’s statements highlight the deep-rooted challenges facing any external intervention.
As the situation unfolds, the international community and the Kenyan government will need to weigh the risks and potential outcomes of their continued presence in the conflict-ridden nation.
