Archive · 8 Aug 2025
Haiti Leader Inaugurated as Gangs Threaten Transition
Haiti is dealing with big problems as a new leader, Laurent Saint-Cyr, takes charge.
Gangs, led by "Barbecue," are causing trouble and want to stop the change.
The new leader is asking for more help from other countries to fight the gangs.
The security forces are struggling, and some were attacked.
There are concerns about who is in charge and if elections will happen as planned, with many people suffering from hunger and violence.
Laurent Saint-Cyr became Haiti's leader amid gang violence.
Gang leader Jimmy "Barbecue" Cherizier threatened to disrupt the transition.
The U.N.-backed security force faced attacks with Molotov cocktails.
Saint-Cyr represents Haiti's private sector and called for increased international support.
The council's mandate runs until February 7, 2026, with elections planned for November.
- Who
- Laurent Saint-Cyr, Jimmy "Barbecue" Cherizier, and the U.N.-backed security force.
- What
- Transition of power amid gang violence and threats.
- When
- Thursday, coinciding with the leadership transition.
- Where
- Port-au-Prince, Haiti.
- Why
- Gangs aim to destabilize the government and disrupt the transition.
Gangs
Transitional Council
Government Instability
Gangs
Gangs seek to disrupt the transitional government.
Transitional Council
The transitional council is trying to wrest control from powerful gangs.
- New Leader
- Laurent Saint-Cyr
- Gang Leader
- Jimmy "Barbecue" Cherizier
- Location
- Port-au-Prince, Haiti
- Security Force
- U.N.-backed
- Inauguration Location
- Villa d’Acceuil