CNN
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Haitian authorities say they have regained control of a major gas terminal in the capital Port-au-Prince, ending gang hangings on vital energy facilities.
The news comes following two weeks of negotiations with Haitian gang leader Jimmy Cherisier, according to Haitian politician Dr. Harrison Ernest, who met with both Sherisier and Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry. has relinquished control of
Chelisier, also known as “Barbecue”, is the leader of the G9, a coalition of over ten Haitian gangs based in Port-au-Prince.
“I spoke with Barbeque and told him to leave the terminal because the children needed to go back to school. says so.
Konstwi Lavi “acts as an intermediary between the government and the gangs who blocked the gas terminals,” Ernest added.
“We have been working with the government and gangs to lift the fuel blockade for two weeks.”
The Haitian government denied negotiating with the G9 to reopen the gas terminal, but Henry’s adviser told CNN that the Caribbean’s leaders had met with Ernest.
“We don’t do business with gangsters, we don’t negotiate with gangsters. We want schools to reopen and economic activity to resume as soon as possible. We did not engage in negotiations with gangs on our behalf,” said special counsel Jean Jr. Joseph.
Haiti National Police spokesperson Gary Desrosiers also confirmed that the Balloux terminal is now under police control. Located in southwestern Port-au-Prince, the terminal supplies most of Haiti’s oil. It has been blocked by members of the G9 gang for the past six weeks, preventing access to fuel in the country.
The G9 abandoned the Varreux terminal over the weekend, a high-level security source told CNN.
However, access roads to the terminal are still blocked by shipping containers and other obstacles, so fuel supplies to the Haiti metropolitan area remain far away.
Some Haitian National Police armored vehicles have been seen in the area around Balloo, but so far there has been no movement of trucks or the presence of employees to resume work at the terminal, the sources said.
The Haitian government requested international military aid almost a month ago due to intertwined health, energy and security issues.
Anti-government demonstrations have also paralyzed the country, with most schools, businesses and public transport closed.
Since August 22nd, Haitians have been demonstrating against chronic gang violence, poverty, food insecurity, inflation and fuel shortages.
