Haiti Installs New Transitional Leader Amid Escalating Gang Threats

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti – In a pivotal moment for the embattled nation, wealthy businessman Laurent Saint-Cyr was officially sworn in yesterday, August 7, 2025, as the new head of Haiti’s transitional presidential council. His appointment comes as the country faces an intensifying crisis, with a powerful gang leader openly vowing to overthrow the government and widespread violence gripping the capital.

Saint-Cyr, marking the first time a private sector figure holds both the rotating presidency and the prime minister post, takes leadership in a Port-au-Prince where criminal gangs control an estimated 90% of neighborhoods. Addressing the nation, he emphasized the urgency: “Our country is going through one of the greatest crises in all its history. It’s not the time for beautiful speeches. It’s time to act.”

Hours prior to Saint-Cyr’s installation, notorious gang leader Jimmy Chérizier, known as “Barbecue,” released a social media video threatening to oust the government and urging citizens to grant his armed group free passage. This declaration was swiftly followed by outbreaks of gunfire across various parts of the capital, underscoring the immediate security challenges for the new administration.

The UN-backed mission, led by Kenyan police, reported thwarting potential attacks through round-the-clock patrols and boosting armed presence. However, the mission itself is severely under-resourced, with only 991 personnel against a projected need of 2,500, and a significant funding deficit. Recent clashes saw the mission lose two armored vehicles and three officers sustain minor injuries.

Saint-Cyr has declared security his top priority, calling for increased operations from national armed forces and urging international partners for more soldiers, training, and vital resources. Public sentiment remains divided, with some Haitians expressing hope for change under Saint-Cyr’s leadership, while others voice skepticism, citing a history of unfulfilled promises and the persistent challenges of gang-related sexual violence and the displacement of over 1.3 million people.

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