Political Tension: Gang violence escalates as new leader resumes office in Haiti

A wealthy businessman, Laurent Saint-Cyr, was sworn in on Thursday as the new head of Haiti’s transitional presidential council, a group tasked with restoring order in a country largely controlled by gangs. He replaces Fritz Alphonse Jean as part of the council’s rotating presidency.

Saint-Cyr now shares leadership of the country with Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé. Both men come from the private business sector: Saint-Cyr started at a local insurance company, while Fils-Aimé once ran an internet company.

“This is one of the worst crises in our country’s history,” said Saint-Cyr during the ceremony. “We don’t need speeches—we need action.”

Gang Leader Threatens Government

Just hours before the ceremony, Jimmy “Barbecue” Chérizier, leader of the powerful Viv Ansanm gang federation, threatened to overthrow the government in a video shared online. He warned Haitians to let his gang move freely through neighborhoods.

“Help us free the country,” he said, wearing a bulletproof vest and holding a rifle.

In response, a UN-backed mission led by Kenyan police said it stopped possible attacks by increasing patrols and reinforcing security in key areas.

Saint-Cyr Calls for Action and Unity

Saint-Cyr thanked national and international groups for their help and emphasized that while he’s from the business world, he would serve all Haitians.

He has held leadership roles in the American Chamber of Commerce in Haiti and the country’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

He stressed that security is the top priority and called on Haiti’s armed forces and international partners to:

• Send more soldiers
• Provide better training
• Support the under-resourced UN mission

“We need to restore the state’s authority,” Saint-Cyr said. He blamed Haiti’s problems on insecurity, poor leadership, and lack of vision.

He challenged the government to deliver basic services like healthcare and education, adding:

“Mr. Prime Minister, do your job!

”Human Rights Groups Voice Concerns

A coalition of 58 organizations, including some from the U.S., sent a letter to Saint-Cyr accusing the council of failing to protect women and girls, pointing to widespread sexual violence and gang rapes.

They said the government has been missing from shelters where victims need support.

Mixed Reactions from Citizens

Some Haitians are skeptical of wealthy elites leading the country, accusing them of supporting gangs in the past.

“They’ve always wanted power. Now they’ve got it,” said Marline Jean-Pierre, a teacher who said she no longer has hope for change.

But others gathered to support Saint-Cyr, wearing T-shirts with his photo and holding signs. Small fights broke out between supporters and protesters.

One supporter defended Saint-Cyr’s background:

“Even though he’s a mulatto with good hair, he’s Haitian.”

Both Saint-Cyr and Fils-Aimé are part of Haiti’s lighter-skinned elite, a small but influential group.

Violence and Danger in the Streets

Before and after the ceremony, gunfire erupted in Port-au-Prince. One woman was found dead in her car; another person was injured.

Heavy gunfire and small explosions continued into the afternoon. Violence was also reported in Kenscoff, a mountain area usually known for farming.

The UN mission lost two armored vehicles to gangs who trapped them in trenches. Kenyan officers were attacked with Molotov cocktails, but held their ground. Three were injured.

Videos posted online showed gang members cheering as they set fire to a captured armored vehicle.

“Come get it back if you can!” one gang member shouted.

UN Mission Faces Serious Challenges

The UN-backed mission currently has:

• 991 officers, far fewer than the 2,500 planned
• Only $112 million in its fund—just 14% of the $800 million needed annually
• No air support and not enough vehicles

Because of the lack of equipment, only 200 officers can be deployed at a time.

The mission also warned that political fighting within Haiti’s transitional government is making the situation worse and empowering gangs.

Kidnappings and Ongoing Violence

Recently, gangs kidnapped eight people from an orphanage in Kenscoff, including an Irish missionary and a 3-year-old. They are still missing.

Since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021, violence has gotten worse. Over 1.3 million people have been forced from their homes.

Between April and June 2025 alone:

• 1,520 people were killed
• 600+ were injured
• Over 60% of the violence occurred during clashes between gangs and security forces
• About 12% came from self-defense group