Prominent Gang Leader Iskar Andrice Killed in Haiti, Raising Concerns of Increased Violence

Accident – Death – Obituary News : Haiti Gang Leader Iskar Andrice Killed in Seaside Slum: Concerns of Increased Violence Arise

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) — Iskar Andrice, a powerful and feared gang leader in Haiti, was reportedly killed in a neighborhood within a sprawling seaside slum that he controlled for years, according to local media reports on Monday. Andrice, who had a background as a math and physics teacher, was known for his intelligence and had a significant influence in the Belekou community within the Cite Soleil slum.

The death of Andrice, also known as Iscar Andris, has raised concerns about the potential increase in gang violence in the wake of his demise. His control over the Belekou community created a power vacuum, which could lead to further instability and violence in the area.

Former mayor Esaïe Beauchard expressed regret that someone as intelligent as Andrice had become involved in gang activity. Beauchard described Andrice as a highly intelligent individual, highlighting the tragedy of his involvement in criminal activities.

The exact date of Andrice’s death has not been confirmed. Jean-Frédérique Islain, the current mayor of Cite Soleil, declined to comment on the incident when contacted by The Associated Press.

Andrice led a gang involved in various criminal activities, including murder, robbery, extortion, rape, and the hijacking of goods and trucks, according to a recent report by the United Nations. He later joined forces with renowned gang leader Jimmy Chérizier, also known as Barbecue, to form the “G9 Family and Allies” alliance, which is considered Haiti’s biggest and most powerful gang group.

Notably, media interviews granted by Chérizier had to be approved by Andrice, indicating the latter’s significant influence within the gang alliance. Andrice, like other gang leaders, established the Siloé Foundation in 2015, a social foundation aimed at winning over the community he controlled and presenting a positive image of himself.

Andrice and other gang leaders have been accused of leading several deadly raids on Haitian neighborhoods, specifically targeting civilians, as documented in a report by the nonprofit National Human Rights Defense Network in Haiti. They have also been accused of paralyzing operations at a main fuel terminal in the capital, Port-au-Prince, last year, causing significant disruption to the country and prompting Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry to request urgent deployment of a foreign armed force.

The death of Iskar Andrice not only marks the end of a powerful gang leader but also raises concerns for heightened violence in the Cite Soleil slum. With the power vacuum created by Andrice’s demise, it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold and whether other individuals will attempt to fill the void left by his absence.

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Associated Press reporter Dánica Coto in San Juan, Puerto Rico, contributed to this report..