By Haiti’s President Jovenel Moise was, on Wednesday morning, assassinated at his home by a group of assailants.
Confirming the incident, Prime Minister Claude Joseph described the attack as “odious, inhumane, and barbarous.”
The statement did not identify the assailants, but said they were Spanish-speaking.
The president’s wife, Martine Moise, was also injured by gunshot in the attack at around 1 a.m. local time at the couple’s home in the hills above Port-au-Prince.
According to Haiti’s ambassador to the United States said, she is in critical condition and efforts are underway to bring her to Miami for treatment.
Meanwhile reactions have followed the unfortunate and shocking incident as world leaders send condolences to the people of Haiti, calling for the need to bring the perpetrators to book.
In a statement, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the attack and called for those responsible to be brought to justice.
“The Secretary-General calls on all Haitians to preserve the constitutional order, remain united in the face of this abhorrent act and reject all violence,” U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said. “The United Nations will continue to stand with the Government and the people of Haiti.”
U.S. President Joe Biden said: “We are shocked and saddened to hear of the horrific assassination of President Jovenel Moïse and the attack on First Lady Martine Moïse of Haiti.”
Biden said the United States condemn the incident which he described as an “henious act” while offering wishes for the first lady’s recovery.
“The United States offers condolences to the people of Haiti, and we stand ready to assist as we continue to work for a safe and secure Haiti,” he added.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “I am shocked and saddened at the death of President Moise. Our condolences are with his family and the people of Haiti. This is an abhorrent act and I call for calm at this time.”
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, in a statement, strongly condemned the “appalling assassination” of the Haitian president.
“Canada stands ready to support the people of Haiti and offer any assistance they need,” he said.
