Haitians Try To Return To Their Homes After Gangs Withdraw

HAITI – Haitian gang leader Jimmy Cherisier, known as Barbecue, says residents of certain central Port-au-Prince neighbourhoods can return home. 

The capital is about 90 percent controlled by armed gangs.

In a video message, Barbecue announced that his coalition, VIV Ansanm, will withdraw from Delmas 30, Solino, Christ Roi, and Nazon by the end of August allowing people to return.

He insisted this peace has not been bought and that he is preparing new strategies against Haitian authorities.

Thousands of displaced residents have demonstrated their intention to return and hundreds have already done so. 

Some believe the move could provide human shields as the Haitian national police with support from the multinational security mission prepare intensified operations against the gangs.