Haiti’s criminal gangs ramp up violence on eve of transitional council inauguration

The nine-member CPT, including two with observer status, has recently been appointed but the members have so far not been able to be sworn in and assume official responsibilities because of continued violence.

Haiti’s criminal gangs have decided to ramp up violence in a move to deter the newly appointed Transitional Presidential Council (CPT) from taking office, amid fears that the political and socio-economic crisis will continue to haunt the French-speaking Caribbean Community country.

Media reports in Port-au-Prince Tuesday said that members of the CPT are likely to decide later today on the date and place of the CPT installation.

The reports quoted sources as saying that the installation could take place on Wednesday at the National Palace.

Feared gang leader Jimmy Cherisier, alias Barbecue, has been heard talking with his henchmen on the ground, ordering them to burn down whole areas as well as chase and execute people indiscriminately.

“Riddle them with bullets! Continue to burn houses; you don’t need to know whose houses are they! Just set them on fire,” Barbecue said as he exchanged communication with one of his henchmen.

“Make sure you force everybody to flee their homes. Set them all on fire!” Barbecue insisted as his abettor confirmed he had just committed the crime.

“Yes, chief! I’ve set them on fire,” the man, whose name was not revealed, said in the conversation.

Barbecue has repeatedly threatened to attack members of the police special units that he called out during an improvised protest organised by gunmen in the slum of Bel-Air, overlooking the area of Champ de Mars where the Presidential Palace is located.

Meanwhile, negotiations among different political groups, civil society organisations and outgoing officials continue in order to install the CPT, which could take place before the end of the week according to sources close to the discussions.

Last week seven people, including one policeman, were killed by gangs in the district of Carrefour, neighbouring the capital Port-au-Prince. Gang members took away several weapons and other materials belonging to the Haitian police.