UN Security Council approves Sanctions to flush out Haitian Gang Leaders

By Sherrica Thompson

Staff Writer

October 29, 2022 – As regional and international countries and entities try to find a way to assist Haiti with its ongoing Humanitarian crisis resulting from gang violence, the UN Security Council on Friday unanimously approved a sanctions regime for the country to target gang leaders and those who finance them.

Resolution 2653, as the new sanction is being called, was drafted by the United States and Mexico and is the first sanctions regime adopted since Mali over five years ago.  The resolution will see the establishment of a committee, which will be responsible for designating the individuals and entities to be sanctioned.

According to the United Nations, “the resolution specifically sanctions notorious gang leader Jimmy Cherizier, an ex-police officer who is reportedly the most powerful gang boss in the country, known by his alias “Barbeque”.”

Cherizier is said to be the head of the so-called “G9 Families and Allies.” He has engaged in “acts that threaten the peace, security and stability of Haiti”, having planned or directed acts that amount to “serious human rights abuses.”

In a press release on Friday, October 21, the United Nations outlined the provisions of the sanctions regime.

“The sanctions regime includes an assets freeze, travel ban and arms embargo against those engaging in or supporting criminal activity and violence involving armed groups and criminal networks.

“Designated activity includes recruiting children, carrying out kidnappings, trafficking, murder and sexual and gender-based violence.

“Crucially, the resolution also designates the obstruction of humanitarian assistance to, and inside Haiti, and any attacks on personnel or premises, of UN missions and operations,” The United Nations explained.

In speaking in the Council chamber after the vote on Friday, US Ambassador and co-pen holder on Haiti, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, said the unanimous vote represented “an important step to help the Haitian people” and was “truly reflective of Council consensus.”

Thomas-Greenfield said the Council was “sending a clear message to the bad actors that are holding Haiti hostage,” noting that; “the international community will not stand idly by while you [the gangs] wreak havoc on the Haitian people.”

The US Ambassador also explained that clear, measurable and well-defined safeguards were also in place to review the effectiveness of the targeted sanctions, but the challenge now remained of restoring security and alleviating the humanitarian crisis.

In recent months Haiti’s humanitarian crisis has worsened as gangs have blocked access to the main fuel terminal in the country’s capital, Port-au-Prince, resulting in a halt to several vital services throughout the country.