SUMMARY

The conflict between G9 and G-Pep emerged as both gang coalitions sought control over key territories in order to dominate illegal activities such as extortion, kidnapping, drug trafficking, and smuggling in Haiti’s capital Port-au-Prince.

Clashes between these two gang coalitions started when G9 tried to displace G-Pep from the Brooklyn neighborhood in Cité Soleil and involved heavy gunfire and the use of machetes, creating war-like conditions in urban neighborhoods, markets and other public spaces. Numerous gang members from both the G9 and the G-Pep were killed during various clashes. At the same time, several civilian casualties were also reported as they were caught in the crossfire, which raised widespread fear among the population and lead to the displacement of hundreds of residents.

Between 2021 and 2023, their fight for control over key territories led to numerous deadly confrontations until on 29 February 2024, both actors formed an alliance called Viv Ansanm (Living Together, Vivre Ensemble) and began engaging in armed conflict against the Haitian government. The new coalition went on to control over 85 percent of the territory in Port-au-Prince.

The non-state conflict between G9 and G Pep is first included in UCDP data in 2021. In May of that year, the violent clashes that erupted in Cité Soleil, resulted in 25 deaths.