From Kennedy to Indira Gandhi; a look at heads of state who were assassinated

SUMMARY

Haiti's President Jovenel Moise was killed and his wife injured in an attack on their home in the nation's capital, Port-au-Prince earlier this week.

By CNBCTV18.comIANS Jul 9, 2021 12:46:49 PM IST (Published)

Haiti's President Jovenel Moise was killed and his wife injured in an attack on their home in the nation's capital, Port-au-Prince earlier this week.

Moise had led Haiti, one of the poorest nations in the world, since 2017 but had faced widespread protests demanding his resignation.

The nation's recent history has been plagued by coups, political instability and widespread gang violence.

Some reports spoke of men dressed in black carrying high-powered weapons who may have pretended to be part of a US drug enforcement operation.

Interim PM Claude Joseph has called for calm and declared a state of emergency nationwide.

The state of emergency, or "state of siege", allows for the banning of gatherings and use of the military for police roles, along with other extensions of executive powers.

Joseph said that "all measures have been taken to ensure continuity" and that "democracy and the republic will win". But questions remain about how much control Joseph can assert.

Haiti's constitution says ministers, under the leadership of the prime minister, take control in the event of presidential vacancy, until elections can be called.

But that also remains unclear, as a new prime minister, Ariel Henry, had been named by Moise just this week but has yet to be sworn in.

First Lady Martine Moise is being treated in hospital.

Ambassador Edmond said that she was in a critical condition and attempts were being made to transfer her to Miami.

The neighbouring Dominican Republic ordered the "immediate closure" of its border with Haiti.