By Carlineissa Jean Francois and Ajmaanie Andre
On July 7th President Jovenel Moise, the fifty-eighth president of Haiti, was assassinated in the middle of the night in his home in Port-Au-Prince. During the attack, the first lady was also reportedly injured and was later moved to a secure location.
The group of individuals who targeted the president remains unidentified. In recent news and videos, the attackers were identified to be Spanish speakers and seemed to know their way around; these men also carried high-powered weapons to initiate this attack.
After the attack took place, the Prime Minister assumed control and declared an official state of siege, allowing the military to take charge of national security, restrict movement, and restrict the spread of information via the media. As a result of this, news on the topic is restricted as a matter of national security and keeping citizens calm.
In a statement released to the public, Prime Minister Claude Joseph has tried to reassure the citizens of Haiti that the situation is being handled.
“All the ministers and I have been working since the news broke and we want to assure you we will bring the killers of the president to justice,” he said. “Please stay calm and let the authorities do their work. We don’t want the country to plunge into chaos. This is a very sad day for our nation and our people.”
The country of Haiti has been in chaos and panic for decades, with each passing presidential term rising tensions and turmoil among citizens. With President Moise assuming office back in February of 2017, many opposed his induction and the country was immediately split between those who were for him—and those who were against him.
In the last two years, there have been many allegations regarding President Moise and corruption. Allegedly Moise and other government officials stole millions from a development fund that was intended to help the lower class. Subsequently, prices for many bare necessities went up as items became limited, primarily gas.
In the last few years, the nation has faced a massive growth of violence. There have been rising reports of murder, rape, and kidnapping throughout the country. On top of this, there had been allegations and rumors circulating on the matter of illegal deals being made with foreign countries. After these allegations, Moise quickly dismissed these allegations and claimed his innocence.
However, this did nothing to subdue the Haitian people who had grown tired of corrupt government officials. This erupted into daily protests and riots that would take the lives of many and lead to the destruction of cities.
An attack of this nature seemed to have been building up since the past year. The people have demanded President Moise to step down after not holding elections but he refused. The death of President Jovenel Moise has been heartbreaking for the citizens of Haiti and has instilled fear in their hearts.
Haiti is a country that has stood for freedom— and now, peace has fallen. The country’s motto has always been “L’Union fait la force” (Union makes strength), representing their independence. It is a sad day for the nation knowing that Haiti is in pain and fear.
