Haiti Faces Potential Coup as Warlord Barbecue Threatens Port-au-Prince

Haiti is facing a potential coup as the feared warlord Jimmy "Barbecue" Cherizier, leader of the powerful G9 gang alliance, has threatened to take control in Port-au-Prince on April 25, 2024. Barbecue has been marching his armed thugs towards the heavily fortified National Palace, the residence of the Haitian president, and has delivered a foreboding caution to the residents of the capital to "brace themselves."

The government has been preparing for trouble, with heavily armed soldiers patrolling the diplomatic entrance of the international airport. A planned change of government is set to take place soon, with nine new members expected to be sworn in at the National Palace, which Barbecue and his gang may see as an opportunity to strike.

The security situation in Haiti has deteriorated, with gangs launching coordinated attacks on key state infrastructure, including police stations, prisons, and the presidential palace. The UN Special Representative in Haiti, Maria Isabel Salvador, has expressed concerns about the increase in gang activity, the deterioration of human rights, and the worsening humanitarian crisis.

Prime Minister Ariel Henry has announced his planned resignation from Puerto Rico, where he has been stuck after armed gangs have been intermittently attacking the international airport to keep him away and force his removal. A new government will be formed by a transitional council, as there is no sitting president since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021.

Why this matters: The potential coup attempt by Barbecue and his gang alliance threatens to further destabilize Haiti, which is already grappling with a dire humanitarian crisis, widespread violence, and political instability. The international community is closely monitoring the situation and considering ways to assist Haiti in reestablishing security and stability.

The situation in Haiti remains chaotic, with over 2,500 people killed or injured in the first three months of 2024, and the main international airport closed since early March. The UN estimates that over 360,000 people are internally displaced, and millions are going hungry as key ports and supply routes remain blocked. Despite the endeavors of the transitional council to form a new government, the powerful gangs, led by Barbecue, pose a significant threat to the country's stability. As Barbecue warns authorities to "brace themselves," the outcome of the potential coup attempt on April 25 remains uncertain.

Key Takeaways

• Feared warlord Barbecue threatens coup in Haiti on April 25, 2024.
• Gangs attack key state infrastructure, causing humanitarian crisis and instability.
• PM Ariel Henry plans resignation, new transitional government to be formed.
• UN expresses concerns over deteriorating human rights and security situation.
• Outcome of potential coup attempt remains uncertain, international community monitoring.