On Wednesday night, a group of assailants stormed the home of Haitian President Jovenel Mose, killing him and wounding his wife.
Four suspects were killed by police and two others were arrested hours later, adding to the chaos already plaguing the country due to gang violence and demonstrations against Mose’s increasingly autocratic rule.
Léon Charles, chief of Haiti’s National Police, announced late Wednesday that three police officers held hostage by the suspected gunmen had been freed.
Haiti is the poorest country in the Americas, and its history of tyranny and political volatility has long impeded the establishment of democratic rule.
However, interim Prime Minister Claude Joseph has stated that the police and military are in control of security in Haiti.
Joseph, in an interview with The Associated Press, demanded an international inquiry into the murder.
Advocated for the holding of elections planned for later this year, and promised to cooperate with Mose’s supporters and detractors.
Haitian President Jovenel Mose Assassinated in His Private Residence
Interim Prime Minister Claude Joseph announced on Wednesday that President Jovenel Moise of Haiti was shot.
Killed by unknown assailants in his private residence overnight in a “inhuman and cruel act.” His wife was also injured in the incident.
After the attack, which came amid an increasing wave of politically motivated violence in the poor Caribbean island.
He stated the police and army had the security situation under control but that gunfire could be heard around the capital.
There is concern for widespread unrest in Haiti because of the country’s political divisions, the mounting humanitarian crisis, and the food shortages.
The Dominican Republic has announced that it will be sealing the border between itself and Haiti on Hispaniola.
Conclusion
On Wednesday, Haiti’s interim prime minister said that President Jovenel Mose had been slain in an attack on his home by a group of unknown assailants.
PM Claude Joseph claimed that First Lady Martine Mose was taken to the hospital after the attack overnight.
Under Mose’s leadership, the nation of over 11 million people had become increasingly unstable and dissatisfied.
According to Joseph, the National Palace and the affluent neighbourhood of Pétionville have already seen the deployment of police, with further deployments planned.
To quote Joseph: “This was a cruel, inhumane, and barbaric act.” He claimed that some of the assailants spoke in Spanish, but he provided no further context for this claim.
