Haitian President Jovenel Moise was shot dead by unidentified persons in his private residence overnight in what has been described as an “inhuman and barbaric act” by the countries interim Prime Minister Claude Joseph.
Joseph said that “all measures had been taken to guarantee the continuity of the state”.He has now taken control of the impoverished Caribbean nation, and has urged the public to remain at peace.
Jovenel Moïse, 53, had been in power since February 2017, after his predecessor Michel Martelly stepped down.
His time in office was rocky as he faced accusations of corruption and was challenged by waves of often violent anti-government protests.
While Haiti’s opposition said that Mr Moïse’s five-year term should have ended on 7 February 2021, five years to the day since Martelly stepped down. Moïse, however, insisted he had one more year to serve as he did not take office until 7 February 2017.
The year-long delay was caused by allegations of electoral fraud which eventually saw the result of the 2015 election being annulled and fresh polls being held, which were won by Moïse.
On 7 February, the day his opponents said his term should have ended, he said that a “coup to overthrow his government and assassinate him” had been foiled.
This time,Jovenel Moïse was fatally shot in the attack leaving his wife Martine wounded.
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