New leadership in Haiti: gangs threaten government

New leadership in Haiti: gangs threaten government

A wealthy businessman, Laurent Saint-Cyr, was named Thursday head of Haiti's interim presidential council, tasked with bringing order to the unrest-torn country. This happened against the backdrop of an influential gang leader threatening to overthrow the government. Saint-Cyr's appointment took place at the council's heavily guarded office in the capital Port-au-Prince, where criminal gangs control 90% of the city's neighborhoods. It is the first time that members of the private sector will hold both the rotating presidency and the office of prime minister - two positions that share the country's executive powers.

Challenges from gang leaders

Hours earlier, a powerful gang federation that has long opposed Haiti's oligarchs had threatened to overthrow the government. Gunfire broke out in parts of the capital. In a video posted on social media, Jimmy Chérizier, better known as “Barbecue,” the leader of the Viv Ansanm gang, warned residents to allow his armed group free passage through the neighborhoods to reach the council office. “People of Haiti, take care of yourselves and help us ... in the fight to liberate the country,” said Chérizier, wearing a bulletproof vest with an automatic rifle slung over his shoulder.

A call for order

Saint-Cyr thanked all national and international actors who have supported Haiti, as well as the private sector, which he described as the engine of the country's economy. Although he came from the private sector, he promised to work equally for all people. He previously served as president of the American Chamber of Commerce in Haiti and the country's Chamber of Commerce and Industry. He will work with Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, who was also once president of an internet company in Haiti and was previously president of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Saint-Cyr emphasized that safety is the top priority. He called on security forces to step up operations and international partners to send more soldiers, provide additional training and help strengthen a mission that is lacking resources and personnel.

Concerns for the women and girls of Haiti

In a letter to Saint-Cyr, 58 organizations from countries including the United States accused the council of violating its legal obligations to Haiti's women and girls. “Collective rape is endemic,” they stressed, pointing out that sexual violence has increased as gangs continue their rampage. The organizations accused the Haitian government of being “totally absent” from shelters where rape survivors need basic services.

Protests and support for the new council

More and more people are expressing concern about the private sector running the country. Some of Haiti's wealthy elites and powerful politicians have long been accused of funding and arming dozens of gangs. “The elites have always wanted power, and they have always wanted to control Haiti, and now they are in control,” said Marline Jean-Pierre, a 44-year-old teacher who braved the firefight to visit a friend in the hospital.

Although some people oppose Saint-Cyr, dozens of Haitians wearing white T-shirts and holding signs with Saint-Cyr's photo gathered outside the council's office to support him. Hours later, clashes broke out between supporters and opponents of Saint-Cyr.

The security situation and the UN mission

As the country prepared for Saint-Cyr's swearing-in, people posted a series of warnings about violence in hopes that people can stay safe. Reports from local news sources said one person was killed and another was injured while driving to Port-au-Prince on Thursday, although how this happened remained unclear. Heavy gunfire continued in downtown Port-au-Prince on Tuesday afternoon, with media reporting that several people were injured.

The U.N.-backed mission reported that it has 991 dependents, far fewer than the planned 2,500, and only about 14% of the estimated $800 million needed for the year in its fund. In addition, there is no air support for the operations and only 200 forces can be deployed at the same time due to insufficient equipment.

Violence increased, particularly after the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in July 2021. More than 1.3 million people have been displaced by ongoing violence in recent years. From April to the end of June alone, at least 1,520 people were killed and more than 600 injured in Haiti, with over 60% of the dead and injured during security force anti-gang operations.