Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Uganda Monitor
Published on 2024-03-09 18:06:10
Haiti has a long history of armed groups, with gangs that are highly organized and control vast arsenals of military weapons. These gangs operate in a shadow economy, engaging in activities such as kidnapping for ransom and other lucrative schemes.
According to the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime, the phenomenon of armed groups in Haiti dates back to the 1950s with the development of paramilitaries known as the Tonton Macoutes by President Francois Duvalier. The country has witnessed various armed groups throughout its history, including the Tonton militias under “Papa Doc” and later his son Jean-Claude Duvalier, as well as the phantom gangs that supported President Jean Bertrand Aristide in the 2000s.
Haiti has around 200 professional and organized gangs operating in the country since the early 2000s. These gangs use sophisticated firearms to control neighborhoods and engage in illegal activities such as drug and gun trafficking, extortion, kidnapping, murder, sexual violence, and hijacking trucks. The major gangs in the capital control a large portion of the territory and have formed coalitions led by prominent leaders like Jimmy “Barbecue” Cherizier.
Despite the efforts of the UN Minustah peacekeeping mission, which operated in Haiti from 2004 to 2017, experts believe that the gangs have increased their firepower since the mission ended. Gangs in Haiti have access to a range of weapons, including handguns, semiautomatic rifles, light machine guns, armor-piercing bullets, and even drones for surveillance.
Several gang leaders in Haiti are under UN sanctions, including travel bans, asset freezes, and arms embargoes. Barbecue, the most powerful gang leader in Haiti, has a gang comprising former policemen. Another influential leader, Johnson “Izo” Andre, recruits youngsters from shantytowns in exchange for money and food.
Extortion is a significant source of revenue for the gangs in Haiti, with businesses subjected to protection rackets and taxes imposed on vehicles using controlled roads. The country has also seen an increase in arms trafficking since 2021, with weapons primarily sourced from the US.
Haiti continues to grapple with the influence of armed groups on its political landscape, with gangs being used as instruments of political warfare. The interplay between politicians, financial actors, and gang activities remains a systemic issue in the country. The situation is further complicated by the ongoing violence and instability caused by these armed groups, affecting the lives of Haitian citizens and hindering the country’s development.
Read the original article on Uganda Monitor
