July 7, 2021

Haiti President Jovenel Moïse Assassinated At His Port-au-Prince Home

By Newsroom

Gunmen stormed the home of Haiti President Jovenel Moïse on Wednesday morning, killing him and injuring his wife.

First Lady Martine Moïse was rushed from the residence in the capital Port-Au-Prince to hospital for treatment.

Claude Joseph, the interim prime minister, confirmed the killing and said the police and military were in control of security in Haiti, where a history of dictatorship and political upheaval have long stymied the consolidation of democratic rule.

Wednesday’s attack comes amid intense political tension and instability in the Caribbean country, with the Opposition long calling for Moïse to resign.

Haiti is due to hold elections and a controversial constitutional referendum later this year.

The referendum had been championed by Moïse as an opportunity to strengthen the Haitian presidency.

Moïse, who was first elected President in 2017, had been ruling by decree for more than a year after the country failed to hold elections and the opposition demanded he step down in recent months.

 

Share