Two Major Gang Coalitions Turn on Each Other in Santo, Forcing Mass Displacement and Renewed Calls for Protection
By The Haitian Pulse Staff
June 10, 2025
SANTO, HAITI — A dispute over a metal gate has erupted into one of the most violent gang confrontations Haiti has seen this year, plunging entire neighborhoods into fear, bloodshed, and displacement.
The fighting began late Friday, June 6, 2025, when members of the 400 Mawozo and Taliban gangs, under the broader Viv Ansanm criminal alliance, clashed with their former partners in the Chen Mechan gang, led by Claudy Célestin. The point of conflict: a metal barrier erected in Pon Kade during a previous turf war — now contested even among supposed allies.
“They were supposed to be on the same side,” said Elvis J., a mechanic from nearby Santo 25. “But when everyone is armed, even a gate becomes a reason for war.”
Assassinations and Retaliation
According to local sources and video footage circulating on WhatsApp, two key leaders under Chen Mechan were executed within 48 hours. One of them was Nazbè, a former police officer turned gang boss. His body, alongside a close associate, was filmed and displayed like trophies — images too graphic to share publicly.
Friday night saw a full-scale offensive. Heavily armed men from 400 Mawozo stormed Carrefour Marassa, a Chen Mechan stronghold. Gunfire echoed through the streets, sending families fleeing into the night.
“My children were screaming. We just ran,” said Myrlande B., a mother of four from Lilavois. “We crossed the river barefoot. I haven’t seen my youngest daughter since.”
Looting, arson, and indiscriminate killings followed. Local shops were ransacked. People sheltering in their homes made desperate pleas for help through voice notes and live broadcasts — many went unanswered.
Temporary Calm, Fragile Peace
By Saturday afternoon, a sliver of hope appeared. Jimmy “Barbecue” Chérizier, the controversial leader of Viv Ansanm, released a public statement calling for an end to the fighting.
“Our struggle is not against each other,” Barbecue declared. “Let’s not destroy what we’ve built.”
His message seemed to have a short-term effect. Some gunmen reportedly told fleeing residents they could return home. Calm settled — but only for a moment.
New Leader Killed Hours After Taking Power
On Sunday, the Chen Mechan gang hastily appointed a new leader, Lucner, known as Kanbwa for his bowed legs. But peace was short-lived. Just hours after his appointment, Kanbwa was fatally shot — reportedly while trying to stop his own men from looting businesses.
His death triggered a fresh wave of shootouts, rocking Santo and its surrounding areas again well into the night. Eyewitnesses reported gunmen moving from house to house, and gunshots piercing the darkness until early Monday.
Community in Ruins, State in Retreat
By Monday, June 9, a tense silence blanketed the Cul-de-Sac plain. No new attacks had been reported — but the damage was done. Schools remained closed. Markets shuttered. Entire families slept in makeshift shelters. And the state? All but invisible.
“This isn’t just about gangs,” said Jean-René Paul, community leader from the Tabarre Front. “It’s about a nation with no leadership. The state has left the people to die.”
“We are being buried alive in this country,” added Frantz L., an elderly man sheltering in a local church. “Every sound is a gunshot. Every night is a prayer to survive.”
Armored police vehicles were seen in the area, but no coordinated security operation has been launched. Residents say they feel abandoned.
A Call from The Haitian Pulse
At The Haitian Pulse, we believe every voice counts — especially in times of crisis. We urge Haitian churches, media outlets, diaspora organizations, and youth leaders to raise the alarm and demand accountability from the Haitian government and international partners.
The violence must stop.
Our people deserve to live without fear.
Our stories must be heard.
Have you been affected by the violence in Santo or surrounding areas? Do you know someone displaced or in danger? We want to hear from you.
💬 Leave a comment below. Share your story. Let us keep this conversation alive — not for clicks, but for change.
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