A popular American YouTuber is believed to have been kidnapped in Haiti as he sought to interview the leader of one of the notorious gangs that took control of the troubled island nation.
Known as YourFellowArab, Addison Pierre Maalouf of Atlanta made the perilous journey to secure an interview with Jimmy “Barbecue” Cherizier. He controls the G9 Family and Allies gang that now runs the national government.
But Maalouf and a Haitian accompanying him were snatched up by members of the 400 Mawozo gang just one day after his March 13 arrival.
Haitian media report Maalouf is being held captive for a $600,000 ransom. Meanwhile, only $40,000 has been raised thus far.
What was rumored for days became reality on Thursday when confirmed by fellow YouTuber Lalem. He posted on X, formerly Twitter, “Tried keeping it private for two weeks, but it’s getting out everywhere now. Yes, Arab has been kidnapped in Haiti and we’re working on getting him out.”
🚨🇭🇹 YouTuber ‘Your Fellow Arab’ has allegedly been kidnapped by a gang in Haiti and is being held for ransom.
He was planning on interviewing gang leader ‘Babrecue’, and the reported ransom figure is $600,000.
Arab and I had exchanged messages in the past, way before this… pic.twitter.com/BYEjlQTqrx
— Censored Men (@CensoredMen) March 29, 2024
Lalem retweeted a video originally posted by Maalouf showing him on a hotel balcony talking about the dangers of seeking the interview.
The YouTuber told his followers that he was only going out in the light of day. The plan was to travel to the capital city of Port-au-Prince but it was too risky to attempt at night.
He explained that the city is “completely run by gangs.” His quest to interview the de facto leader of the country could be derailed by “one stupid gang member holding an AK-47.”
Meanwhile, there are reports that the nation is edging closer to installing a new prime minister. Armed forces from Kenya traveling to the country were sent by President William Ruto.
He sparked widespread anger for dispatching 1,000 police officers to the island. Ruto justified the move by declaring it would establish his “strong commitment to Pan-Africanism.”
On Wednesday, the transitional presidential council announced that it is moving to reestablish “public and democratic order.” When an official council is in place, the transitional group said it will “put Haiti back on the path of democratic legitimacy, stability and dignity.”
The question now is if it will be in time to save the life of Addison Pierre Maalouf.
