In Haiti, law enforcement officials have begun using military-grade drones equipped with explosives to combat gangs, particularly in areas under the control of notorious gang leader Jimmy Chérizier, also known as “Barbecue”. These operations have resulted in deaths and injuries in gang-controlled areas.
Context
Gang violence in Haiti Gang violence has led to a near collapse of law and order, the collapse of health services, and a food security crisis in Haiti. In 2024, gang-related violence caused more than 5,500 deaths and displaced more than one million people.
UN Report The United Nations reported that gang violence killed at least 3,661 people in Haiti in the first half of the year. The UN also highlighted that gangs use sexual violence as a means of punishment and control.
Arms trafficking Arms trafficking, primarily from the United States but also from the Dominican Republic and Jamaica, has fueled violence in Haiti, allowing gangs to acquire high-caliber firearms, drones, boats and ammunition.
Key figures and organizations
Jimmy Chérizier (Barbecue) Leads Viv Ansam (Live Together), an alliance of gangs that controls a significant portion of Port-au-Prince.
Pierre Espérance: Executive Director of the National Network for the Defense of Human Rights (RNDDH)36. The RNDDH is a human rights organization based in Port-au-Prince that monitors human rights violations and works to defend the rule of law.
Garry Conille: Haiti’s Interim Prime Minister sought international support during the UN General Assembly, emphasizing the country’s need for assistance to combat gang violence.
Recent Actions
Police Operation The Haitian government launched a major operation in a Jimmy Chérizier-dominated slum, with officials reporting several gang members killed in the Lower Delmas area of Port-au-Prince. Prime Minister Alixier F-Aim praised the offensive.
International Support Some 10 nations have contributed more than 3,100 troops to the Multinational Security Force, but only 430 have been deployed. A Kenyan police officer, part of the Kenyan Multinational Security Support, was recently killed in a clash with gang affiliates.
RNDDH’s Concerns: Pierre Espérance of the RNDDH revealed that drone bombs used by law enforcement have caused 20 deaths and more than 30 injuries in gang-controlled localities.