Haitian Gang Leader, Associate of ‘Barbecue’ Reported Dead

(TargetDailyNews.com) – One of Haiti’s top gang leaders was killed after being shot by police in Port-au-Prince on Thursday, March 21st. Ernst Julme, previously the leader of the Delmas 95 gang, was an ally of Jimmy “Barbeque” Cherizier who escaped during an assault on a prison complex during a raid a few weeks prior. He was killed after a gunfight with police forces, according to Reuters.

The death shows that fighting is still ongoing between criminal militias and the remaining police forces in Haiti. The small island nation has been suffering an outbreak of violence in recent weeks after criminal organizations began open warfare against each other and the government. Viral videos featuring torture and cannibalism have been circulated betraying the extent of the violence and desperation.

Largely credited with being the top gang leader, Jimmy Cherizier, 46, is a former elite policeman who goes by the nickname “Barbeque” and leads the G9 Family and associated militias.

Julme was killed one day after Reuters reporters saw two gang members killed by members of a rival group. They subsequently set the bodies ablaze and burned down the family home of one of the men.

The U.S. State Department said they evacuated over 160 Americans and stressed that the country was not safe, strongly discouraging travel.

A statement from the UN Security Council “strongly condemned the violence” and requested a redoubling of efforts by international partners. It also mentioned “grave concern” regarding the “illicit flow of arms” entering the country without further details.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was pleased to hear news regarding a transitional council being formed by representatives from Haiti’s various political classes.

Their job will be to appoint a new prime minister to replace Ariel Henry, who has been unable to return to Haiti. Henry had been in the role since the assassination of former Prime Minister Jovenel Moise in July 2021.

Henry’s refusal to hold timely elections contributed to anti-government sentiment and the current outbreak of violence. He resigned earlier this month, opening the door for a less controversial replacement.