• Laurent Saint-Cyr appointed as head of Haiti's transitional presidential council amid increased gang violence.
• Gang leader Jimmy Chérizier threatens to overthrow the new government just hours before the inauguration.
• The U.N.-backed mission reports significant under-resourcing and personnel shortages impacting security efforts.
• The transition marks the first time private sector members hold both presidential and prime ministerial roles in Haiti.
• Violence has surged since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in July 2021, affecting millions.

Laurent Saint-Cyr, a wealthy businessman, was inaugurated as the head of Haiti's transitional presidential council on Thursday amidst the country's escalating violence. His appointment comes at a critical time as armed gangs, which control **90% of the neighborhoods** in Port-au-Prince, threaten to disrupt the fragile government structure, according to Los Angeles Times and NPR.

Hours before Saint-Cyr's inauguration, gang leader Jimmy Chérizier, known as "Barbecue," issued a warning via social media, demanding free passage for his armed group through the capital's neighborhoods. Chérizier boasts leadership over the **Viv Ansanm** gang coalition, which has previously stated its aim to overthrow the government. His video, which showed him armed with an automatic rifle, underscored the perilous environment, with gunfire echoing through parts of Port-au-Prince shortly before the ceremony, according to Africanews and South China Morning Post.

During his inauguration ceremony, Saint-Cyr emphasized the urgency of addressing Haiti's numerous challenges, citing that the nation is experiencing "one of the greatest crises in all its history.” He called on international partners to enhance military support and training for local security forces, which have struggled against the rising tide of gang violence. **"We must restore state authority,"** he stated, echoing sentiments of urgency shared by many international observers, according to Los Angeles Times and NPR.

The U.N.-backed Kenyan police mission, deployed last year to address security issues, reported attempts to thwart planned disruptions by the gangs. However, it is significantly under-resourced, with only 991 personnel available—far fewer than the 2,500 necessary. This lack of personnel has raised concerns about the mission's ability to effectively combat the gangs, especially with increasing reports of violent encounters, including attacks on its vehicles and personnel, according to South China Morning Post and Africanews.

Saint-Cyr is not without criticism, as many Haitians express doubts over leaders from the private sector effectively addressing the grave issues the country currently faces. Activists have raised alarms about endemic **sexual violence** and overall government negligence, urging for immediate action to support vulnerable populations amidst rampant gang activity. Critics point out that the ruling class, accused of financing gangs, complicates efforts toward restoring security and justice, according to NPR and South China Morning Post.

As the ceremony took place, violent skirmishes erupted between supporters and opponents of the new administration in Port-au-Prince, illustrating the deep divisions and fears present within the populace. The situation is exacerbated as **over 1.3 million people** have been displaced due to escalating violence over recent years, a crisis compounded by the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in July 2021 and ongoing societal turmoil, according to Africanews and Los Angeles Times.