In yet another huge milestone in Kenyan police efforts to fight the dreaded Haitian gangs, the United States government has announced plans to arrest gang leader Jimmy Cherizier, alias Barbecue.
The US Federal prosecutors on Tuesday, August 12, announced criminal charges against Barbecue for allegedly soliciting funds to orchestrate violence in the Caribbean nation.
According to the prosecution, Barbecue, alongside a 48-year-old US citizen, was soliciting funds from the Haitian diaspora community to acquire firearms in violation of US laws.
"Cherizier and a US associate sought to raise funds in the United States to bankroll Cherizier’s violent criminal enterprise, which is driving a security crisis in Haiti,” said Assistant Attorney General John Eisenberg.
Adding, "The National Security Division does not tolerate criminal gang fundraising in the United States, and will continue to pursue those who enable Haiti’s violence and instability."
To aid in his arrest, President Donald Trump's administration is now offering up to Ksh647 million ($5 million) for anyone with information about the gang leader's whereabouts.
Barbecue, a former Haitian police officer, is also accused of multiple murders, kidnappings and orchestrating attacks on key government infrastructure within Haiti.
If arrested, Cherizier is expected to be extradited to the US to face several criminal charges. He is also under sanctions by the United Nations, Canada and Great Britain.
The latest development comes as a huge relief for the Kenyan officers who are part of the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission, as it would immensely ease the anti-gang operations and reduce the overall gang influence.
It also comes against the backdrop of the mission progress in curbing the rampant gang violence in the Caribbean country.
MSS Spokesperson Jack Ombaka recently announced that the Kenyan police, along with Haitian security personnel, had intensified operations in critical areas within Haiti's capital, Port-au-Prince.
Addressing the press on August 6, Ombaka said the joint operations have played a vital role in maintaining stability and security, enabling the successful and uninterrupted completion of the recent national examinations in Haiti.
In addition to patrols, MSS personnel have been safeguarding key national infrastructure, including Haiti's main international airport, seaport, and other strategic assets.
