US Designates Haitian Gangs Viv Ansanm and Gran Grif as Foreign Terrorist Organizations
The United States government, under Secretary of State Marco Rubio, has officially designated two of Haiti’s most notorious and powerful gang networks, Viv Ansanm and Gran Grif, as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs) and Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGTs). This significant action aims to disrupt the gangs’ operations, cripple their financial networks, and support international efforts to restore order and stability within the beleaguered Caribbean nation.
The designation carries severe legal consequences for both the gangs and any individuals or entities providing them with material support. This includes potential criminal charges, the loss of immigration benefits, and even deportation from the United States. Secretary Rubio, in a formal statement, declared that the era of impunity for those supporting violence in Haiti is definitively over.
"These gangs have killed and continue attacking the people of Haiti, Haitian security forces, and multinational security support (MSS) mission personnel and are committed to overthrowing the government of Haiti," Rubio stated. "Their ultimate goal is creating a gang-controlled state where illicit trafficking and other criminal activities operate freely and terrorize Haitian citizens."
The designation marks a significant escalation in the international community’s efforts to address the escalating crisis in Haiti, which has been plagued by widespread gang violence, political instability, and a severe humanitarian crisis.
Viv Ansanm, a coalition formed in September 2023 through an alliance between Haiti’s two dominant gang factions, G-9 and G-Pép, has been identified as a primary driver of the escalating violence. The gang alliance has executed coordinated attacks on crucial Haitian infrastructure, including prisons, government buildings, and the Port-au-Prince international airport. These attacks, a deliberate campaign aimed at destabilizing the country, contributed significantly to the eventual resignation of former Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry.
Gran Grif, primarily operating in the strategically vital Artibonite region, a key agricultural area of Haiti, has also been identified as a major perpetrator of violence and instability. The State Department reports that Gran Grif is responsible for a staggering 80% of civilian deaths reported in the Artibonite region since 2022. Furthermore, the gang was linked to a deadly attack in February 2025 that resulted in the death of a Kenyan officer serving with the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission, highlighting the threat they pose to international peacekeepers.
The designation of these gangs as FTOs and SDGTs allows the US government to employ a range of powerful tools to combat their activities. This includes the freezing of assets, travel bans, and the imposition of sanctions on individuals and entities found to be providing material support to the gangs. The move is intended to cripple their ability to fund their operations, acquire weapons, and recruit new members.
The move is based on the legal authority granted to the US government to designate foreign entities that engage in terrorist activity that threatens the security of the United States or its nationals. The designation serves as a warning to individuals and organizations both within and outside of Haiti who may be considering providing support to Viv Ansanm or Gran Grif.
According to reporting from National Public Radio (NPR) in 2024, Viv Ansanm was spearheaded by Jimmy Chérizier, widely known as "Barbecue," a former police officer who transitioned into a prominent gang leader. Chérizier played a key role in unifying rival gangs under a shared agenda of opposing the Haitian government. In an interview with NPR, Chérizier defended the gang’s actions and laid blame on Haiti’s political elite for fostering the widespread lawlessness. While acknowledging the violence, he argued that the government had created the conditions that led to the rise of gangs.
Secretary Rubio emphasized the importance of these designations in the broader fight against these criminal organizations. "These designations play a critical role in our fight against these vicious groups and are an effective way to curtail support for their terrorist activities," he said. He further cautioned that U.S. citizens and lawful residents who engage in transactions with these groups are exposing themselves to significant legal risks, including sanctions and prosecution.
The US action has been met with mixed reactions. Some experts believe it is a necessary step to combat the escalating violence and hold the gangs accountable for their actions. Others have expressed concerns that the designation could further alienate the Haitian population and complicate efforts to find a lasting political solution.
Rubio also expressed his strong support for the Haitian National Police and international partners working to combat the gangs. "We commend the extraordinary bravery of the Haitian National Police and all international partners supporting the MSS mission for their ongoing efforts to establish stability and security in Haiti," he said.
He implored Haitian political leaders to prioritize the security and well-being of the Haitian people. "We urge all of Haiti’s political leaders to prioritize the security of the Haitian people, find solutions to stop the violence and make progress toward the restoration of democracy through free and fair elections," Rubio stated.
The State Department did not immediately provide any additional comment following the official announcement. The designations of Viv Ansanm and Gran Grif as FTOs and SDGTs represent a critical juncture in the international community’s efforts to address the multifaceted crisis in Haiti. The long-term impact of these designations remains to be seen, but they undoubtedly signal a renewed commitment to combating gang violence and restoring stability to the country. The challenge now lies in ensuring that the designations are effectively implemented and that they contribute to a broader strategy that addresses the root causes of the crisis, including poverty, corruption, and political instability.
