The Rise and Threat of Criminal Organizations in Haiti
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The Rise and Threat of Criminal Organizations in Haiti
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Press Release
Title: The Rise and Threat of Criminal Organizations in Haiti
Date: October 29, 2023
Location: Haiti
For Immediate Release
Summary
The proliferation of criminal groups in Haiti has emerged as a substantial menace to the
local populace, with their operations transcending national boundaries. The G9 Alliance is
currently recognized as a very influential criminal organization that presents a significant threat,
as it has established geographical dominance and caused significant disruptions to the national
economy.
A growing Threat: History and Evolution of the G9 Alliance
The G9 Alliance, officially known as the Revolutionary Forces of G9 Family and Allies,
can be traced back to a history of political instability and armed groups' involvement in Haitian
politics. The alliance represents an emerging phenomenon, driven not only by political ideology
but also by profit and power. G9 is led by Jimmy Chérizier, also known as "Barbecue," who has
emerged as a significant and escalating threat in Haiti. This alliance, made up of some of Port-
au-Prince's most powerful gangs, has proven time and again that it can command entire
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municipalities and even entire communes. The G9 first came together in June 2020 in response
to the rising levels of violence and territory disputes between rival gangs. Hundreds of
individuals have been killed since the G9 Alliance's founding, and the group has been linked to
countless massacres and violent battles. Concerns have been voiced concerning its impact and
sphere of influence in Haiti due to its deep connections to the country's political landscape,
especially with the government of former President Jovenel Mose. The United Nations Security
Council has authorized foreign involvement to deal with the escalating threat posed by the G9
Alliance and other powerful gangs like G-Pep, which have thrown Haiti into crisis. As Haiti
attempts to address this multifaceted security threat, the situation remains precarious and the
outlook is cloudy
(Ford, 2022).
Activities and Impact of the G9 Alliance
The G9 Alliance has engaged in a range of activities, including territorial control, causing
fuel stoppages, halting food deliveries, and extorting businesses that use Haiti's ports. Their
activities are a significant factor in the disruption of the nation's economy and have led to a surge
in kidnapping and homicide rates. According to data from Global Organized Crime Index (2017),
kidnappings recorded by Haiti's police soared by 105% in 2022, resulting in 1,359 victims.
Homicides increased by 35%, with 2,183 recorded during the same period. These alarming
statistics underscore the extent of the threat posed by the G9 Alliance.
Indiscriminate violence, including the use of sexual violence, has become a common
tactic employed by the alliance to consolidate power and terrorize the population. The U.N.
reports that gang members often target vulnerable populations under the control of rival gangs,
and sexual violence has been used as a weapon in these attacks. The G9 Alliance's territorial
control extends to approximately 60% of the capital, Port-au-Prince. This territorial dominance
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has allowed them to exert influence and conduct their activities more extensively, further fueling
the crisis
(Borlini, 2022).
Contributing Factors in the Community
Several factors within the Haitian community have contributed to the success and
expansion of the G9 Alliance. One key factor is the political instability: Haiti has experienced
political turmoil for decades, including coups, disputed elections, and the overthrow of leaders.
Another factor is the high Corruption prevalence.
Endemic corruption has plagued the nation,
with corrupt practices infiltrating various institutions. This corruption has weakened law
enforcement agencies, the judiciary, and the prison system, allowing criminal organizations to
operate with relative impunity. Additionally, the economic challenges faced by the Haitian
population, exacerbated by natural disasters and food crises, have made many individuals
vulnerable to recruitment by criminal organizations. The promise of financial gain in an
environment of economic desperation has lured many into these groups. Furthermore Haiti faces
Security Force Challenges. The Haitian police force has faced difficulties in combating powerful
criminal organizations, including a declining workforce due to resignations, dismissals,
retirements, and fatalities in the line of duty. Insufficient resources and weak management
systems have hindered their efforts.
Conclusion
The G9 Alliance, among other criminal organizations, has evolved into a major threat to
Haiti's community. Their history is intertwined with the nation's political turmoil, and their
activities, ranging from territorial control to heinous acts of violence, have caused significant
harm to the population. The alliance's expansion is facilitated by a range of factors within the
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community, including political instability, corruption, economic hardships, and security force
challenges.
As the situation in Haiti continues to deteriorate, addressing the root causes and
combatting these criminal organizations must be a top priority to restore stability, security, and
prosperity to the nation. It is essential to prioritize the well-being of the Haitian people and work
towards creating a safer and more secure environment for all.
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References
Borlini, L. (2022). Correction to the Article: The UN Security Council Faces Organized Crime:
Fact-finding, Regulation and Enforcement Strategies.
Journal of International Criminal
Justice
,
20
(4), 1049–1051. https://doi.org/10.1093/jicj/mqac054
Ford, A. (2022, August 3).
The Rise of Haiti’s Violent Rural Gangs
. InSight Crime.
https://insightcrime.org/news/rise-haiti-violent-rural-gangs/
Global Organized Crime Index. (2017).
Criminality in Haiti - The Organized Crime Index
.
Ocindex.net. https://ocindex.net/country/haiti
News, A. B. C. (2023).
Gang violence in Haiti escalating and spreading, UN says
. ABC News.
https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/gang-violence-haiti-escalating-spreading-
significant-increase-killings-103551230
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