Overview:
The US is providing as much as $1 million for info resulting in the arrest of Johnson “Izo” André, chief of Port-au-Prince’s Village de Dieu “5 Segond” gang. Accused of kidnappings and violent crimes, André has been sanctioned and criminally charged by U.S. authorities. The reward provide has sparked skepticism and anger amongst Haitians on-line.
PORT-AU-PRINCE — The US supplied a reward of as much as $1 million for info resulting in the arrest of Johnson “Izo” André, chief of the Port-au-Prince Village de Dieu-based 5 Segond gang, linking him to the 2023 kidnapping of a U.S. citizen — an announcement that rapidly sparked criticism on-line.
In a notice issued Feb. 18 via the State Division’s Rewards for Justice program, authorities accused André and his group of kidnapping a U.S. citizen in Port-au-Prince on March 18, 2023. The sufferer was later freed after a ransom was paid.
U.S. authorities mentioned André is accountable for kidnappings, killings and different violent crimes which have deepened Haiti’s safety disaster and induced widespread struggling amongst households pressured to pay ransom for family members.
“In case you have info on Johnson ‘Izo’ André or his associates, please share it with us,” the State Division mentioned. “Your info will probably be stored confidential and will make you eligible for relocation or a reward.”
Sanctions costs, bounty provide come as kidnappings surge
In December 2023, André was sanctioned by the U.S. Division of the Treasury underneath Executive Order 13818 for alleged human rights abuses. The designation freezes any property or pursuits in property underneath U.S. jurisdiction.
In 2024, U.S. prosecutors filed a felony criticism charging André with hostage-taking and conspiracy to commit hostage-taking.
He joins different Haitian gang leaders focused by U.S. reward presents, together with Jimmy “Barbecue” Chérizier, Wilson “Lanmò San Jou” Joseph and Vitel’homme Harmless — figures related to the Viv Ansanm coalition that controls massive swathes of Port-au-Prince.
The reward announcement comes amid renewed warnings about kidnappings.
In a Feb. 18 safety alert, the State Division mentioned ransom kidnappings are rising in Port-au-Prince, significantly in Delmas, and suggested residents to restrict nonessential journey and keep away from driving alone. The alert warned that kidnappers have at occasions posed as cops.
“In case you have info on Johnson ‘Izo’ André or his associates, please share it with us. Your info will probably be stored confidential and will make you eligible for relocation or a reward.”
U.S. Division of State’s Diplomatic Safety Service
Based on the most recent report from the United Nations Built-in Workplace in Haiti (BINUH), not less than 647 kidnappings have been documented over the previous 12 months within the Artibonite division, the Port-au-Prince metropolitan space and the Centre division.
The report estimates that gang violence has killed roughly 10,000 folks in 2025, displaced greater than 1.4 million residents, and affected almost 6 million via worsening meals insecurity and humanitarian wants. Regardless of repeated police operations, armed teams have continued assaults and escalated kidnappings.
The growth of armed gangs has had extreme penalties, U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Henry Wooster informed a Senate panel final week, estimating that Haiti has greater than 12,000 energetic gang members, together with about 3,000 who’re closely armed and skilled. Wooster reaffirmed U.S. help for restoring safety in Haiti and for a coordinated method to managing migration.
Social media backlash
Many Haitian Fb customers questioned why a bounty was wanted if U.S. authorities had beforehand captured high-profile worldwide figures. A number of commenters referenced previous U.S. actions overseas, arguing that related efforts could possibly be deployed in Haiti.
“Capturing Nicolás Maduro [Venezuelan president] was tougher, however you probably did it,” Fb person Patricia Justin wrote. “However what’s taking place now? Your diplomatic automobiles are used to move gang leaders to conferences on the American embassy in Tabarre. We’ere not fools.”
Others urged authorities already know André’s location within the Village de Dieu neighborhood and accused america of ridiculing the Haitian public.
“You recognize the place he’s — if you wish to seize him, do what you probably did with Maduro. These statements are ineffective,” wrote Fb person Flexible Hilaire, reflecting frustration with the U.S. announcement. One other commenter, Louisia Sérondier, added: “Sooner or later, Haiti will probably be free from the grip of the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince. Maintain treating us like a joke. Maintain distracting us.”
A person, reacting underneath the “ShoTop Bro” profile, requested: “Why not use the million {dollars} to come back arrest him straight?”
Some posts alleged international complicity in Haiti’s arms trafficking — claims for which no proof was offered — whereas others expressed broader frustration with each Haitian and worldwide authorities over the persistence of gang management.
Just a few commenters claimed André is not in Haiti, whereas others —like Theriel Thelus—sarcastically supplied instructions to his alleged location. None of these claims have been independently verified.
The web reactions replicate deep public distrust at a time when many Haitians say they’re exhausted by kidnappings and ransom calls for which have bankrupted households and compelled hundreds from their houses.
Whether or not the reward will result in an arrest stays unclear. For residents dwelling underneath gang management, the necessity is pressing: an finish to kidnappings and a return to fundamental security.