Haitian gang leader Jimmy Chérizier, also known as ‘Barbecue,’ has issued a strong warning to Kenya and other external forces planning to deploy peacekeeping troops to Haiti. Chérizier claims that the 1,000 Kenyan police officers set to join the peacekeeping mission would face severe hostility from local gangs, as they would be viewed as “invaders.”

In an interview with Sky News, ‘Barbecue’ stated, “If the Kenyan military or police come, whatsoever, I will consider them aggressors. We will consider them as invaders, and we do not have to collaborate with any invaders that have come to walk over our independence.”

He argued that the arrival of peacekeeping forces would worsen the conflict, claiming they lack an understanding of the complex dynamics in Haiti. “The Kenyan police and other international bodies have a preconceived notion that they will be fighting bandits and gangs,” Chérizier said. “This perception makes it impossible to reach a dialogue and find a peaceful solution.”

Chérizier expressed concern that the peacekeepers would target poor communities under the guise of eliminating gangs. He stated that they are going to enter the poor communities on the pretext that they are coming to eliminate gangs and bandits.

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Despite his harsh criticism, Chérizier indicated a willingness to engage in peaceful dialogue; he also added that they believe in dialogue. But the political class is not here for dialogue because they don’t carry Haiti in their hearts the same way they do.

His remarks come as Haiti faces increasing gang violence, with the U.N. reporting over 1,500 deaths this year alone, including many children. Chérizier warned that without inclusive dialogue, the situation could deteriorate further, adding, “Every new day that passes, we have to come up with a new strategy to advance. But there is no calm. Things will get worse if we don’t include everyone at the table.”