Haitian Gaslighting Alert: A Gang Leader Strikes Again
The scene: Amid the buzzing streets of Port‑au‑Prince, a man sporting a eye‑catching purple suit—known locally as Lamo “Sanjou”—makes a chilling threat on YouTube. It’s not a political rally, it’s a street‑corner maun-tradale: “If I don’t get what I need, I’ll kill those Americans.”
Who’s the Big Shot?
- Lamo Sanjou: the self‑named boss of the 400 Mawozo gang.
- “400” isn’t a random number—it’s the legendary hit‑list of a squad that started as street thieves and grew into Haiti’s most feared gang.
- They’re the power players controlling a rural patch east of the capital, making local residents wary of venturing out at night.
The Ransom Drama
These guys have razzed American & Canadian missionaries during a trip organized by Ohio’s Christian Aid Ministries. According to Haiti’s Justice Minister Liszt Quitel, the kidnappers are demanding a whopping US$17 million (S$23 million) to free the crew. That’s a huge price tag for a nation facing deep economic and political turmoil.
Tangled Stakeholders
- The missionaries are not in the video—the footage is just the gang chief’s monologue and a crew of mystery-mistaken sidekicks.
- A Haitian police spokesman was quick to remain MIA after reporters asked for clarification.
- Another twist: local media reported that Police Chief Leon Charles has quit—possibly spurred by comments from Prime Minister Ariel Henry.
Why This Matters
Haiti’s kidnapping crisis has been nothing short of a national nightmare. With leaders eyeing 17 million dollars and threats that could trigger a bloodbath, it’s more than just a headline in the news—it’s a rallying cry for everyone who fears the country teeters on a very fine line. No one wants to get stuck in a street‑corner chant about guns and continent‑wide riddle‑ridden rants.
Quick Takeaway
If you’re an American missionary, keep an eye on the streetlights. If you’re a local Haitian, maybe it’s time to sign up for some peaceful neighborhood meetings instead of riding the ‘sugar‑junkie elevator’—just in case the gang comes asking for their next big check.
