Jimmy Chérizier, widely known by his nickname “Barbecue” (Babekyou in Haitian Creole), is a Haitian former police officer and the most powerful gang leader in Haiti. He heads a federation of gangs known as the Revolutionary Forces of the G9 Family and Allies (Fòs Revolisyonè G9 an Fanmi e Alye). Chérizier presents himself as a revolutionary and political figure fighting against the established government and corrupt elites, but his organization is widely accused by human rights groups and international authorities of massive human rights abuses, including massacres, rape, and kidnapping.
Key Biographical Information
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Jimmy Chérizier |
| Born | March 30, 1977, Delmas, Ouest, Haiti |
| Other Name | “Barbecue” (Babekyou) |
| Former Occupation | Officer in the Haitian National Police (HNP) |
| Current Title | Leader of the Revolutionary Forces of the G9 Family and Allies |
| Political Stance | Self-declared leader of an “armed revolution” |
| International Status | Subject to UN and U.S. sanctions for human rights abuses. |
Early Life and Police Career
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Upbringing: Chérizier was born in Delmas, a community adjacent to the La Saline slum in Port-au-Prince. His mother worked as a fried chicken vendor.
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Nickname Origin: Chérizier claims his nickname “Barbecue” comes from his mother’s business. However, opponents and investigators allege the name refers to his involvement in setting people on fire during massacres, a claim he vehemently denies.
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Police Service: He was an officer in the Haitian National Police (HNP), serving with the Departmental Crowd Control Unit, an anti-riot squad.
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Dismissal: Chérizier was officially expelled from the HNP in late 2018 following accusations that he was involved in massacres and extrajudicial killings.
The Rise of the G9 Alliance
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Gang Leader: Chérizier became the leader of his own gang, Base Delmas 6, operating in an impoverished neighborhood of Port-au-Prince.
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Formation of the G9: In June 2020, he formed the Revolutionary Forces of the G9 Family and Allies (G9), originally a coalition of nine gangs from the capital’s slums. The alliance has since expanded to include over a dozen groups.
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Consolidation of Power: The G9 has consolidated control over large areas of Port-au-Prince, making Chérizier the de facto ruler of vast, heavily populated neighborhoods. His forces are known to be well-armed, possessing greater firepower than the national police.
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Allegations of Massacres: Authorities, the UN, and the U.S. have repeatedly implicated Chérizier in brutal massacres against civilians in rival neighborhoods, notably in La Saline (2018) and Bel-Air (2019), where dozens were killed, and women were raped.
Political Ambitions and International Response
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Political Narrative: Chérizier frequently presents his gang activities as a political movement—an “armed revolution” fighting against corrupt political leaders and the wealthy elite who have historically oppressed Haiti’s poor. He often appears in military camouflage and a beret.
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Current Activities: Following the 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse, and the subsequent political vacuum, the G9 and allied gangs (which formed a temporary coalition called Viv Ansanm in 2024) have grown even more powerful, controlling access to key infrastructure, including the main Varreux fuel terminal and parts of the main port and airport.
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Opposition to Ariel Henry: Chérizier became a key figure in the violent campaign to force the resignation of unelected Prime Minister Ariel Henry in 2024.
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Sanctions: Due to his role in threatening Haiti’s stability and committing serious human rights abuses, Chérizier was sanctioned by the United Nations Security Council and the U.S. Treasury Department in 2020. The U.S. has also offered a reward for information leading to his arrest and conviction, underscoring his status as a major international criminal figure.