He was assassinated by rival black rebel leader, Henri Christophe, in 1803, shortly before Haiti won its independence.
Sans-Souci is notable as one of the most effective military leaders during the revolution, particularly against French forces led by Charles Leclerc in 1802 and 1803.
[4] After the abolition of slavery in Saint-Domingue and the ascent of Toussaint Louverture to the post of Governor, Sans-Souci became commander at Grand-Riviere in the northern plain.
[5] Sans-Souci participated, under the command of Toussaint Louverture, in the resistance when French forces led by Napoleon's brother-in-law, Leclerc, arrived in the colony in 1802.
[7] After the surrender of Toussaint Louverture and other high-ranking Saint-Domingue generals like Henri Christophe and Dessalines to Leclerc, Sans-Souci was among those who continued to fight the French.
[10] Sans-Souci emerged as one of the most skilled rebel leaders, successfully using guerrilla-style military tactics that were common in the wars of his homeland.
Other rebel leaders, including Dessalines, sought to resolve the conflict, and Sans-Souci seems to have agreed to accept Christophe's authority.