Masson, a man against the presence of foreign corporations on Martinique for their refusal to share assets with its citizens, had difficulties in convincing the ALA to focus on his struggle. He in turn established his own branch on Martinique called the Rising Hand, and cooperated with other rebels in dispersed regions of the world. Despite his implication in a drugs-for-guns trade, Masson escaped custody and hired fellow sniper Jean Fornier to be the second-in-command of his new organization. Andre Proust would also serve as one of Masson's top leaders.