PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti — Laurent Saint-Cyr, a wealthy businessman, was appointed on Thursday as the head of Haiti's transitional presidential council. His role is to help restore order in a country facing severe challenges, including threats from powerful gangs. Saint-Cyr's appointment comes as gang leader Jimmy Chérizier, known as "Barbecue," vowed to overthrow the government, highlighting the precarious situation in the capital, where gangs control 90% of the neighborhoods.

During his swearing-in ceremony at the council's heavily guarded office, Saint-Cyr emphasized the urgency of the situation. "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," he stated. This marks the first time members of Haiti's private sector have held both the rotating presidency and the prime minister's position, which share executive duties.

Earlier in the day, Chérizier's gang federation threatened to disrupt the government, leading to gunfire in various parts of Port-au-Prince. In a video message, Chérizier urged residents to allow his armed group safe passage through neighborhoods. "People of Haiti, take care of yourselves and help us … in the battle to free the country," he said, armed and wearing a bulletproof vest.

A United Nations-backed mission led by Kenyan police reported that they have been conducting around-the-clock patrols to prevent potential attacks. They stated that armed gangs had plotted to destabilize the nation and make it ungovernable.

Saint-Cyr expressed gratitude to national and international supporters, calling the private sector the engine of Haiti's economy. 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 alongside Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, who also has a background in the private sector.

Security is a top priority for Saint-Cyr. He called on the armed forces to increase their operations and urged international partners to provide more soldiers and training. "We must restore state authority," he said, acknowledging that the challenges stem from both insecurity and a lack of vision and responsibility.

In a letter to Saint-Cyr, 58 organizations from various countries accused the council of failing to protect Haiti's women and girls, stating that "collective rape is endemic" amid rising sexual violence linked to gang activity. They criticized the government for being absent from shelters that provide essential services to survivors of sexual violence.

Public sentiment is mixed regarding the leadership of Haiti's private sector. Some citizens express frustration, claiming that wealthy elites have historically financed and armed gangs. Marline Jean-Pierre, a teacher, voiced her disillusionment, stating, "Nothing really happened. Young women are being raped, families are being dismantled."

Despite the challenges, supporters of Saint-Cyr gathered outside the council's office, wearing white T-shirts with his image. However, tensions escalated into skirmishes between supporters and opponents of the new leadership.

As the swearing-in ceremony approached, warnings about potential violence circulated among residents. Reports indicated that gunfire was heard in the capital, and local media noted that one person was killed and another injured while entering Port-au-Prince.

Violence has surged since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in July 2021, displacing over 1.3 million people. A recent UN report indicated that at least 1,520 people were killed and more than 600 injured from April to June, with a significant portion of violence occurring during security operations against gangs.