UN reacts to assassination of Haitian President

By Modupe Shodeinde

UN Secretary-General, António Guterres has condemned, in the strongest terms, the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse of the Republic of Haiti.

In a statement by Guterres spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, on Wednesday, the secretary-general said the perpetrators of the crime must be brought to justice.

“The Secretary-General extends his deepest condolences to the people and Government of Haiti and the family of the late President.

“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.

“The United Nations will continue to stand with the Government and the people of Haiti,’’ he said.

Président Moïse, 53, was shot dead in an overnight attack in his private residence in Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince.

According to Bocchit Edmond, the Haitian ambassador to the United States, the attack “was carried out by foreign mercenaries and professional killers — well-orchestrated,” who has masqueraded as agents of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.

His wife, Martine, was also injured, is receiving treatment, according to media reports.