Haiti’s dreaded gangs have in recent weeks dominated the global headlines even as chaos intensifies in one of Asia’s most devastated economies.
Gunmen have taken over Haiti's major cities, blocking access to crucial institutions including hospitals and even schools, paralysing the country's normal operations.
The long-standing battles between these gangs and the police have negatively impacted lives and denatured political transition in Haiti, plunging the country into a years-long crisis.
In Haiti, there are over 200 active gangs terrorising civilians and most of them operate within the country's capital, Port-au-Prince. Even so, Kenyans.co.ke narrowed down to 8 of these gangs.
G-9 Family
Also known as the G-9 alliance, it is considered one of the largest gangs in Haiti and is led by Jimmy Cherizier popularly known as “Barbecue”.
Barbecue is a former Haitian police officer who is currently under the United Nations and United States radar following his involvement in Haiti’s violence.
On March 29, he sent a stern message to Kenya police warning of dire consequences noting that he would consider them as invaders.
The gang undertakes its operation within the Delmas and Petion-Ville areas situated within the suburbs of Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince.
Since its foundation, the gang has been responsible for the deaths of hundreds if not thousands of civilians and also its clashes with rival gangs.
400 Mawozo
This is the largest gang in Haiti, and it is based in the Ganthier area, a location within Port-au-Prince's Tabarre and Pétion-Ville.
The gang majorly consists of deportees, former opposition leaders, former smugglers and some of the police officers.
In 2021, the gang abducted about 17 missionaries and demanded Ksh131 million before releasing the US citizens.
G - Pep
G-9 and G-Pep have been rivals for years before recently burying the hatchet. The two groups were battling for control of estates in Port-au-Prince.
Just like the G-9 and the 400 Mawozo, the 6-Pep have been accused of mass killings and sexual violence in areas under their authority, as well as in districts they want to take over.
The other gangs include Baz Galil; which is composed mainly of deportees from the United States most of whom arrive in Haiti without any follow-up and are easily recruited by politicians and other gangs.
Baz Pilate
Composed of dismissed and serving police officers, many of its members come from specialized police officers such as special weapons and tactics officers (SWAT).
Another one is the Base 5 Seconds gang. This gang is mainly based in the Martissant area of Port-au-Prince.
Thus fang is mostly made of young people from the slums of Port-au-Prince. The gang also includes former members of vigilante brigades and popular organizations.
The other two gangs are the Delmas 19 gang and the Canaan gang. The members of these gangs are known to offer consultancy services and crime planning to other major gangs such as the 400 Mawozo.
