Top Haitian gang leader Jimmy "Barbecue" Cherizier sent a warning to political leaders who plan to take part in a transitional council as the nation's future is still unknown.
Following Prime Minister Ariel Henry's Monday announcement that he would step down from his post once a council is in place, Port-au-Prince has been unusually quiet, in contrast to the past weeks. However, by Wednesday, violence made its way back to the forefront, with a shootout in one neighborhood and another attack on the police academy early Thursday.
Heavily-armed gangs rule much of the capital amid the Caribbean country's struggle to resolve a longtime political and humanitarian crisis. Hundreds of thousands have been displaced, and several rights groups have reported widespread killings, kidnappings, and sexual violence, according to Reuters.
A seven-minute audio recording that captured Cherizier's comments was shared early Thursday morning via messaging platform WhatsApp.
He's heard saying, "Don't you have any shame?", as he directed his remarks at politicians who he claims were looking to join the council.
"You have taken the country where it is today. You have no idea what will happen," Cherizer added.
"I'll know if your kids are in Haiti, if your wives are in Haiti ... if your husbands are in Haiti," he said in an apparent threat to their families.
"If you're gonna run the country all your family ought to be there."
Prime Minister Ariel Henry's resignation is only "a first step in the battle," Cherizier declared.
Regional bloc CARICOM has disclosed political parties and other social sectors set to make up the nine-member transition council to replace Henry. Negotiations regarding the council are currently in facilitation with Caribbean leaders and U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken.
Formal appointments are yet to be announced.
Haiti's political future remains uncertain, and a previous promise made by Kenya to deploy soldiers to the nation as a security measure hangs in the balance.
Canada has evacuated most of its embassy staff amid the tumultuous changes, only leaving essential employees in Haiti.
"This will allow us to maintain our presence in Haiti to support Canadians during this volatile situation," Foreign Minister Melanie Joly said in a statement, adding that the embassy was temporarily closed to the public.
Canada is one of several entities withdrawing staff, following suit with the United Nations and the US embassy.
Cruise lines have been suspended in "an abundance of caution" while the UK is tightening its security in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Haiti's close neighbor, the Dominican Republic, whom they share the island of Hispaniola with, closed the shared border last year and has implemented strict deportation measures.
