Laurent Saint-Cyr, a prominent Haitian businessman, was sworn in Thursday as head of the transitional presidential council, assuming leadership of a nation where gangs control 90% of the capital. His appointment marks the first time Haiti’s private sector has held both the rotating presidency and prime minister’s office, with Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé also hailing from corporate circles.
The ceremony unfolded under heavy security in Port-au-Prince as gang leader Jimmy “Barbecue” Chérizier released a video threatening to overthrow the government, his rifle-clad figure demanding public cooperation for armed movements. Hours earlier, gunfire erupted across the city, underscoring the council’s precarious position.
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Saint-Cyr, former head of Haiti’s Chamber of Commerce, vowed action over rhetoric: “Our lack of courage and vision has deepened this crisis,” he declared, calling for expanded international security support. A U.N.-backed Kenyan police force reported foiling gang attacks but acknowledged severe shortages—just 200 deployable officers and no air support despite a $112 million budget gap.
Criticism mounted from multiple fronts. Fifty-eight international organizations accused the council of failing women amid “endemic” gang rapes, while citizens like teacher Marline Jean-Pierre dismissed elite leadership as more empty promises: “Young women are being raped. Families are dismantled.”
Violence flared through the day—a driver killed near Port-au-Prince, armored vehicles torched by gangs, and Kenscoff’s orphanage raid leaving eight missing, including a toddler. The chaos traces back to President Jovenel Moïse’s 2021 assassination, which displaced 1.3 million Haitians. With 1,520 killed last quarter alone, Saint-Cyr’s pledge to “restore state authority” faces a brutal test.
