Spanish
Jimmy Cherizier, alias Barbecue, leader of the Haitian criminal coalition Viv Ansanm, stated in a recent interview that part of his motivation for acting in Haiti comes from former U.S. President Donald Trump. According to Cherizier, the Trumpist slogan “drain the swamp” drives him to “recover Haiti,” despite the fact that his group has taken control of vast areas of the country through violence.
“Donald Trump is a patriot; he loves his country. We too must show that we are, do the right thing for Haiti. I think we have something in common,” said Cherizier in conversation with journalist Prue Lewarne of the program Dateline, broadcast by the Australian television SBS.
The interview aired a few days after the U.S. State Department officially designated Viv Ansanm and other Haitian gangs as terrorist organizations on May 2.
Former police officer Cherizier insists that his goal is to resolve the national crisis. However, he blamed the political elites for blocking any negotiated solution: “I only want peace,” he declared.
Gang violence has caused a humanitarian catastrophe in Haiti. According to United Nations figures, more than a million people were displaced in 2024 and more than 5,000 were killed. So far in 2025, at least 1,600 deaths have already been recorded.
