Haitian gang announces truce to ease fuel shortage

The leader of one of the gangs that control Haiti’s main oil supply depot announced Friday a truce of several days to let hospitals, schools and businesses stock up on fuel after enduring weeks of shortages.

“Starting today, tanker trucks can fill up without fear,” gang leader Jimmy Cherizier said in a video posted on social media.

In return for this truce lasting until November 18, he called for the removal of armored cars that the police have stationed in gang-controlled areas and the resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry.

“If Ariel Henry does not resign and the problems continue, we will lift the truce and it will be the last leg of the battle against him,” said Cherizier, whose nickname is “Barbecue”.

In recent months Haiti’s powerful and heavily armed crime gangs have tightened their grip on the capital Port-au-Prince, taking control of roads that lead to the country’s three oil supply facilities.