For years, the United States has adopted a wary tolerance of Haiti, batting aside the horror of kidnappings, murders and gang warfare. The more convenient strategy generally seemed to be backing whichever government was in power and supplying endless amounts of foreign aid.

Donald Trump supported President Jovenel Moïse mainly because Mr. Moïse supported a campaign to oust President Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela. And in February, the Biden administration accepted Mr. Moïse’s tenuous argument that he still had another year to serve despite opposition calls for his departure and large street protests. Mr. Moïse, though initially elected to a five-year term due to end in 2021, did not take office until 2017, thus his claim to an extra year as president.

There had appeared to be a tacit understanding during Mr. Moïse’s rule: Haiti is turbulent and difficult, a bomb waiting to explode in the hands of anyone who attempts to defuse it. After all, why should Mr. Biden take on the unrewarding task of “fixing” Haiti when there was already an elected president in office who could bear the brunt of criticism about the deteriorating political situation there?

But the assassination of Mr. Moïse on Wednesday will now force a reluctant administration to focus more carefully on the next steps it wants to take concerning Haiti. There are no simple options.

The killing has destroyed the Biden administration’s hopes (however far-fetched) for a peaceful transfer of power with elections presided over by Mr. Moïse. But that’s not to say that Haiti’s future is entirely up to the United States nor should it be. When the United States has stepped in, Haitians have ended up worse off. When President Jean Vilbrun Guillaume Sam was killed by an angry crowd in 1915, U.S. Navy ships lay on the Haitian coast waiting to quell unrest to keep Haiti stable for American business interests there. In the wake of the killing, U.S. Marines occupied Haiti and remained there for 19 years.

U.S. interventions didn’t stop there. In 1986, the dictatorship of Jean-Claude Duvalier (and his father before him) fell to a combination of popular unrest in Haiti and political maneuvering by Washington. The country managed to hold its first free and fair elections in 1990, in which Jean-Bertrand Aristide, a former liberation-theology priest, was elected. Three years after Mr. Aristide was removed in a coup, the Clinton administration reinstated him.

Haiti was never able to shake off the foreign yoke, except, one might argue, during the darkest days of the Duvalier regime. Over the years it has been at the mercy of the United States, of course, and of the Inter-American Development Bank, the World Bank, the Organization of American States and the United Nations, which deployed a peacekeeping force there from 2004 until 2017. Yet Haiti has ended up just as poor and unstable as ever, if not more so. And the country never truly recovered from a devastating earthquake in 2010.

Drug cartels and their Haitian connections have also played a damaging role. Observers say that much of the violence in recent years has stemmed from turf wars between street gangs operating in a largely lawless environment.

The presidential mandate of Mr. Moïse itself was iffy, to say the least. Only 21 percent of the electorate voted in that election. Nevertheless, it was easier for the United States and other parties to tolerate Mr. Moïse and wait for the next elections, no matter how flawed they were likely to be, than to deal with a void created by his assassination.

President Biden has called Mr. Moïse’s killing “very worrisome.” But Haiti was very worrisome even before the killing. Now the United States is confronted by an even murkier situation there: no leader, no legislature, a justice system in disarray, a nonfunctioning and dispirited police and army, and gangs roaming the streets. It’s not clear what will emerge from the vacuum at the top — perhaps a new strongman or, less likely, an interim government.

Despite that precariousness, the United States has still called for elections before the end of the year. But it’s hard to imagine how elections can proceed in an atmosphere of security and freedom, leading to a truly democratically elected president and legislature. As it stands, two men are claiming the role of prime minister, accentuating the sense of instability.

Haiti’s problems cannot be solved by U.S. intervention. The United States no longer has the standing, the stomach or even the desire to impose its vision on Haiti. The best option right now for the United States is to wait and watch and listen not just to the usual suspects but to a broad new generation of Haitian democrats who can responsibly begin to move toward a more workable Haitian polity.

Haiti still needs the cooperation of international friends who pay attention to the character and the goals of those to whom they extend financial and political support, rather than choosing a convenient candidate in a quickie election, with the catastrophic results for the country that we’ve seen in the past.

A majority of Haitians want to build back their institutions and return to a normal life: schools, clinics and businesses opening again, a plan to deal with the Covid-19 crisis, produce markets functioning and safe streets free from the threat of armed gangs. This is the best of all possible outcomes for Haiti — but sadly, it’s improbable, at least in the near future.

For years, the United States has adopted a wary tolerance of Haiti, batting aside the horror of kidnappings, murders and gang warfare. The more convenient strategy generally seemed to be backing whichever government was in power and supplying endless amounts of foreign aid.

For years, the United States has adopted a wary tolerance of Haiti, batting aside the horror of kidnappings, murders and gang warfare. The more convenient strategy generally seemed to be backing whichever government was in power and supplying endless amounts of foreign aid. Donald Trump supported President Jovenel Moïse mainly because Mr. Moïse supported a campaign to oust President Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela. And in February, the Biden administration accepted Mr. Moïse’s tenuous argument that he still had another year to serve despite opposition calls for his departure and large street protests. Mr. Moïse, though initially elected to a five-year term due to end in 2021, did not take office until 2017, thus his claim to an extra year as president. There had appeared to be a tacit understanding during Mr. Moïse’s rule: Haiti is turbulent and difficult, a bomb waiting to explode in the hands of anyone who attempts to defuse it. After all, why should Mr. Biden take on the unrewarding task of “fixing” Haiti when there was already an elected president in office who could bear the brunt of criticism about the deteriorating political situation there? But the assassination of Mr. Moïse on Wednesday will now force a reluctant administration to focus more carefully on the next steps it wants to take concerning Haiti. There are no simple options. The killing has destroyed the Biden administration’s hopes (however far-fetched) for a peaceful transfer of power with elections presided over by Mr. Moïse. But that’s not to say that Haiti’s future is entirely up to the United States nor should it be. When the United States has stepped in, Haitians have ended up worse off. When President Jean Vilbrun Guillaume Sam was killed by an angry crowd in 1915, U.S. Navy ships lay on the Haitian coast waiting to quell unrest to keep Haiti stable for American business interests there. In the wake of the killing, U.S. Marines occupied Haiti and remained there for 19 years. U.S. interventions didn’t stop there. In 1986, the dictatorship of Jean-Claude Duvalier (and his father before him) fell to a combination of popular unrest in Haiti and political maneuvering by Washington. The country managed to hold its first free and fair elections in 1990, in which Jean-Bertrand Aristide, a former liberation-theology priest, was elected. Three years after Mr. Aristide was removed in a coup, the Clinton administration reinstated him. Haiti was never able to shake off the foreign yoke, except, one might argue, during the darkest days of the Duvalier regime. Over the years it has been at the mercy of the United States, of course, and of the Inter-American Development Bank, the World Bank, the Organization of American States and the United Nations, which deployed a peacekeeping force there from 2004 until 2017. Yet Haiti has ended up just as poor and unstable as ever, if not more so. And the country never truly recovered from a devastating earthquake in 2010. Drug cartels and their Haitian connections have also played a damaging role. Observers say that much of the violence in recent years has stemmed from turf wars between street gangs operating in a largely lawless environment. The presidential mandate of Mr. Moïse itself was iffy, to say the least. Only 21 percent of the electorate voted in that election. Nevertheless, it was easier for the United States and other parties to tolerate Mr. Moïse and wait for the next elections, no matter how flawed they were likely to be, than to deal with a void created by his assassination. President Biden has called Mr. Moïse’s killing “very worrisome.” But Haiti was very worrisome even before the killing. Now the United States is confronted by an even murkier situation there: no leader, no legislature, a justice system in disarray, a nonfunctioning and dispirited police and army, and gangs roaming the streets. It’s not clear what will emerge from the vacuum at the top — perhaps a new strongman or, less likely, an interim government. Despite that precariousness, the United States has still called for elections before the end of the year. But it’s hard to imagine how elections can proceed in an atmosphere of security and freedom, leading to a truly democratically elected president and legislature. As it stands, two men are claiming the role of prime minister, accentuating the sense of instability. Haiti’s problems cannot be solved by U.S. intervention. The United States no longer has the standing, the stomach or even the desire to impose its vision on Haiti. The best option right now for the United States is to wait and watch and listen not just to the usual suspects but to a broad new generation of Haitian democrats who can responsibly begin to move toward a more workable Haitian polity. Haiti still needs the cooperation of international friends who pay attention to the character and the goals of those to whom they extend financial and political support, rather than choosing a convenient candidate in a quickie election, with the catastrophic results for the country that we’ve seen in the past. A majority of Haitians want to build back their institutions and return to a normal life: schools, clinics and businesses opening again, a plan to deal with the Covid-19 crisis, produce markets functioning and safe streets free from the threat of armed gangs. This is the best of all possible outcomes for Haiti — but sadly, it’s improbable, at least in the near future.

Haiti is in peril, and there are no simple options

Police have narrowed down on a Haitian national for plotting the assassination of President Jovenel Moise. Christian Emmanuel Sanon has been arrested for recruiting the gunman for Moise's assassination with political objectives.

Haiti Police arrested key mastermind behind President Jovenel Moise's assassination

Slain Haitian President Jovenel Moise's widow issued her first public statements following the attack that killed the Haitian leader. She asked the nation not to "lose its way." Three days after her husband was shot and killed in their home, Martine Moise posted an audio message on Twitter. She said, "Thank you, God, I am alive.".

Haiti Assassination aftermath: Haitian first lady Martine Moise recounts the attack

"They riddled him with bullets, didn't let him say a word,"&nbsp;said slain Haiti President Jovenel Moise's widow, speaking up on his assassination that shocked the Caribbean nation.

It was Martine Moise's&nbsp; first public statements following the deadly attack on the leader. The first lady, who was rushed to US after being gravely wounded in the attack, asked the nation not to 'lose its way'.

"In the blink of an eye, the mercenaries entered my house and riddled my husband with bullets,"&nbsp;Martine Moise said in an audio message posted on Twitter, three days after her husband was shot and killed in their home.

"This act has no name because you have to be a limitless criminal to assassinate a president like Jovenel Moïse, without even giving him the chance to say a single word."

"Thank you, God, I am alive. I am alive but I have lost my husband Jovenel," she said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/haiti-president-jovenel-moise-assassinated-wife-injured-world-leaders-pay-tribute-396479">Haiti President Jovenel Moise assassinated, wife injured; World leaders pay tribute</a>

Pradel Henriquez, Haiti's minister of culture and communications, confirmed the authenticity of the remarks to news agency, AFP.&nbsp;

Following the attack in the early hours of Wednesday, Martine Moise was rushed to a Haitian hospital, following which she had to be evacuated to Miami for treatment.&nbsp;

Reports said that 28 men surrounded the couple in their home, including 26 Colombians and two Haitian-Americans, and began firing.&nbsp;

Three of the assailants were killed, while 17 have been arrested. There are still a few at large, according to police. It's not clear why the attack occurred.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/haiti-says-26-colombians-two-haitian-americans-among-group-that-killed-president-396838">Haiti says 26 Colombians, two Haitian Americans among group that killed president</a>

Despite my tears, she said, "we cannot allow this country to derail." saying Moise's spilled blood must not be in vain.&nbsp;

Her husband's death has thrown Haiti in chaos, the poorest country in the Americas.

Amid deep uncertainty over its political future, the international community has called on the impoverished Caribbean country to go ahead with the presidential and legislative elections slated for later this year.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/haiti-asks-us-un-to-send-security-forces-to-stabilise-country-minister-397104">Haiti asks US, UN to send security forces to stabilise country: Minister</a>

Despite deep uncertainty about Haiti's political future, the international community says that the impoverished Caribbean country must hold its upcoming presidential and legislative elections.

Martine Moise assured her that she would not abandon her country and promised Haitians that soon she'll engage with them directly on Facebook.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

"They riddled him with bullets, didn't let him say a word," said slain Haiti President Jovenel Moise's widow, speaking up on his assassination that shocked the Caribbean nation.

"They riddled him with bullets, didn't let him say a word," said slain Haiti President Jovenel Moise's widow, speaking up on his assassination that shocked the Caribbean nation. It was Martine Moise's first public statements following the deadly attack on the leader. The first lady, who was rushed to US after being gravely wounded in the attack, asked the nation not to 'lose its way'. "In the blink of an eye, the mercenaries entered my house and riddled my husband with bullets," Martine Moise said in an audio message posted on Twitter, three days after her husband was shot and killed in their home. "This act has no name because you have to be a limitless criminal to assassinate a president like Jovenel Moïse, without even giving him the chance to say a single word." "Thank you, God, I am alive. I am alive but I have lost my husband Jovenel," she said. Also read | Haiti President Jovenel Moise assassinated, wife injured; World leaders pay tribute Pradel Henriquez, Haiti's minister of culture and communications, confirmed the authenticity of the remarks to news agency, AFP. Following the attack in the early hours of Wednesday, Martine Moise was rushed to a Haitian hospital, following which she had to be evacuated to Miami for treatment. Reports said that 28 men surrounded the couple in their home, including 26 Colombians and two Haitian-Americans, and began firing. Three of the assailants were killed, while 17 have been arrested. There are still a few at large, according to police. It's not clear why the attack occurred. Also read | Haiti says 26 Colombians, two Haitian Americans among group that killed president Despite my tears, she said, "we cannot allow this country to derail." saying Moise's spilled blood must not be in vain. Her husband's death has thrown Haiti in chaos, the poorest country in the Americas. Amid deep uncertainty over its political future, the international community has called on the impoverished Caribbean country to go ahead with the presidential and legislative elections slated for later this year. Also read | Haiti asks US, UN to send security forces to stabilise country: Minister Despite deep uncertainty about Haiti's political future, the international community says that the impoverished Caribbean country must hold its upcoming presidential and legislative elections. Martine Moise assured her that she would not abandon her country and promised Haitians that soon she'll engage with them directly on Facebook. (With inputs from agencies)

They riddled him with bullets, didn't let him say a word: Haiti president's widow speaks up on his assassination

Threatening to pitch the impoverished Caribbean country deeper into chaos,&nbsp;one of Haiti's most powerful gang leaders said on Saturday, his men would take to the streets to protest the assassination of President Jovenel Moise.&nbsp; 
 
Former cop Jimmy Cherizier, also known as Barbecue&nbsp;railed against police and opposition politicians, whom he accused of colluding with the 'stinking bourgeoisie' to 'sacrifice' Moise this week. He heads the so-called G9 federation of nine gangs.

In a video address, Cherizier while being dressed in khaki military fatigues and sitting in front of a Haitian flag, said, "It was a national and international conspiracy against the Haitian people." 
 
"We tell all bases to mobilise and take to the streets for light to be shed on the president's assassination." 
 
At his Port-au-Prince home, Moise was gunned down before dawn on Wednesday by what Haitian authorities said was a unit of trained assassins comprising 26 Colombians and two Haitian Americans. 
 
The murder and the still murky plot behind it has caused further political instability in the long-troubled country, prompting the government to call for US&nbsp;and UN assistance. 
 
Cherizier said his followers would practice 'legitimate violence' and that it was time for 'the masters of the system' - business magnates of Syrian and Lebanese descent, who dominate parts of the economy - to 'give back' the country. 
 
"It's time for Black people with kinky hair like us to own supermarkets, to have car dealerships and own banks," he said. 
 
Some of the magnates had been at loggerheads with Moise.

(With inputs from agencies)

Threatening to pitch the impoverished Caribbean country deeper into chaos, one of Haiti's most powerful gang leaders said on Saturday, his men would take to the streets to protest the assassination of President Jovenel Moise.

Threatening to pitch the impoverished Caribbean country deeper into chaos, one of Haiti's most powerful gang leaders said on Saturday, his men would take to the streets to protest the assassination of President Jovenel Moise. Former cop Jimmy Cherizier, also known as Barbecue railed against police and opposition politicians, whom he accused of colluding with the 'stinking bourgeoisie' to 'sacrifice' Moise this week. He heads the so-called G9 federation of nine gangs. In a video address, Cherizier while being dressed in khaki military fatigues and sitting in front of a Haitian flag, said, "It was a national and international conspiracy against the Haitian people." "We tell all bases to mobilise and take to the streets for light to be shed on the president's assassination." At his Port-au-Prince home, Moise was gunned down before dawn on Wednesday by what Haitian authorities said was a unit of trained assassins comprising 26 Colombians and two Haitian Americans. The murder and the still murky plot behind it has caused further political instability in the long-troubled country, prompting the government to call for US and UN assistance. Cherizier said his followers would practice 'legitimate violence' and that it was time for 'the masters of the system' - business magnates of Syrian and Lebanese descent, who dominate parts of the economy - to 'give back' the country. "It's time for Black people with kinky hair like us to own supermarkets, to have car dealerships and own banks," he said. Some of the magnates had been at loggerheads with Moise. (With inputs from agencies)

Gang boss wades into Haiti turmoil, sees conspiracy behind president's killing

The political storm in Haiti intensified Thursday as two competing prime ministers claimed the right to run the country, setting up an extraordinary power struggle over who had the legal authority to govern after the brazen assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in his home the day before.

Haiti’s interim prime minister, Claude Joseph, says he has taken command of the police and the army, declaring a “state of siege” that essentially put the country under martial law. But constitutional experts questioned his right to impose it, and his claim to power was quickly challenged by a rival.

Two days before his death, Moïse had appointed a new prime minister, Ariel Henry, a neurosurgeon who was supposed to take up the role this week and told a local newspaper that he was the rightful prime minister instead.

The dueling claims created a volatile political crisis that left constitutional experts confused and diplomats worried about a broad societal collapse that could ignite violence or prompt Haitians to flee the country en masse, as they have after natural disasters, coups or other periods of deep instability.

“No one understands” what is happening right now, said Lilas Desquiron, a Haitian writer who was culture minister from 2001-04, leaving the nation’s 11 million people in a “wait-and-see and powerless position.”

Alarmed that Haiti may be approaching a breaking point reminiscent of the surge of Haitian refugees fleeing on boats to Florida after a 1991 coup, US&nbsp;officials quickly sided with the interim prime minister, Joseph, even though he was supposed to be replaced this week.

Briefing reporters Thursday, a State Department spokesperson, Ned Price, said that Joseph was “the incumbent” at the time of the assassination and that the United States would continue to work with him “as such.” But he added that the United States had also “been in contact with” Henry, urging all Haitian officials to work together “to refrain from violence.”

The top United Nations official in Haiti also backed Joseph’s claim as the rightful prime minister.

The political struggle unfolded as Haitian security forces hunted for more of the attackers who killed the president. On Thursday, Haitian authorities said they had arrested 17 suspects, including two U.S. citizens, and that three foreign nationals had been killed, adding to Haitian assertions that “foreigners” had been involved.

Little was known about them, but officials identified the Americans as James Solages, 35, and Joseph Vincent, 55, Florida residents of Haitian descent. The other 15 suspects were described as Colombians.

Angry civilians joined in the search for the assassins, capturing some suspects themselves, setting fire to vehicles thought to have been used in the attack and calling for vigilante justice. “Burn them,” one person cried in front of a police station.

Haiti had already been reeling over the question of who should be running the country. For months, angry protesters had accused the president, Moïse, of overstaying his term in a drift toward autocracy.

Now, with his assassination, the leadership question grew even murkier, especially since the nation’s democratic institutions have been severely hollowed out, leaving few legitimate arbiters in the country to oversee a legal transfer of power.

While many countries, including the United States, have been buffeted by rival claims to the presidency, they typically have judges, lawmakers and democratic structures to help settle the disputes.

But today, Haiti is a parliamentary democracy with almost no Parliament. There are currently only 10 sitting senators out of 30 because the terms of the other 20 have expired. The lower house is entirely vacant — their terms expired last year — leaving Moïse to govern by decree for about a year.

Beyond that, the judiciary has been virtually nonexistent for the past year, with repeated strikes from judges protesting the political upheaval and rampant violence often preventing them from working. And the head of the nation’s highest court died of COVID-19 in June, depriving the country of yet another means of determining who should govern.

“What’s happened in Haiti is completely unprecedented,” said Rep. Andy Levin, D-Mich., co-chair of the House Haiti Caucus and member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. “You’ve got a situation where there’s no government administration that’s seen as legitimate.”

Under Haitian laws, prime ministers are appointed by the president and must be approved by the Parliament, said Jacky Lumarque, rector of Quisqueya University, a large private university in Port-au-Prince. But because Parliament has not been functioning, the political legitimacy of the prime ministers is nonexistent, he argued.

“The difficulty is that none of them are legitimate,” Lumarque said.

Making matters worse, Haiti appears to have two constitutions, and the dueling documents say different things about what to do if a president dies in office.

The 1987 version deems that if the presidency is vacant for any reason, the country’s most senior judge should step in.

But in 2012, the constitution was amended, and the new one directed that the president be replaced by a council of ministers, under the guidance of the prime minister — except if, as was Moïse’s situation, the president was in the fourth year of office. In that case, Parliament would vote for a provisional president — if, of course, there were a Parliament.

“Things are unclear,” said Georges Michel, a Haitian historian who helped write the 1987 constitution. “It’s a very grave situation.”

The main concern right now, U.S. officials argued, is establishing some kind of order and preventing clashes by armed factions over rival claims of authority. Elections to pick a new president are secondary, they said. There is widespread fear that the situation could quickly spiral out of control, especially given the gang violence, kidnappings, protests and social upheaval that have seized the country for months.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke Wednesday with the interim prime minister, Joseph, offering to assist the country “in support of the Haitian people and democratic governance, peace and security,” the State Department said.

Joseph portrayed the conversation as having lasted more than 30 minutes and used the opportunity to signal to his country that he had the support of its most important international backers — principally, the United States.

In a public address Wednesday, Joseph staked his legitimacy partly on what he called the “receptive” reaction he got from the Core Group, an unofficial coalition of ambassadors and officials from the United States, the United Nations, Canada, France, Germany, Spain, the European Union and the Organization of American States.

The group has long played a major role in shaping Haitian politics, both maneuvering privately and issuing public statements to back selected leaders and encouraging or critiquing specific policies. The group provided important support for Moïse’s seating as president in 2017, though it later turned critical of his government’s failure to adhere to democratic principles.

The president of what remains of the Haitian Senate, Joseph Lambert, also put out a news release Thursday morning, saying that the Senate “reassures Haitians and the international community that everything will be managed by the national institutions, political forces and civil society to guarantee the continuity of the state and the republican order.”

Under the Trump administration, the United States paid relatively little attention to Haiti’s worsening political problems, and it was not a particularly prominent issue for President Joe Biden — until now.

Biden is the latest in a series of modern American presidents to confront turmoil and tragedy in the country.

President George H.W. Bush grappled with the surge of Haitian refugees after the 1991 coup that overthrew the president at the time, Jean-Bertrand Aristide. In 1992, Bush first ordered their detention at the Guantanamo Bay Naval Base and in 1992 ordered the Coast Guard to directly return home any migrant Haitians intercepted at sea.

The refugees then became a campaign issue, with Bill Clinton denouncing Bush for “a cruel policy of returning Haitian refugees to a brutal dictatorship without an asylum hearing.” But in response to reports that 150,000 Haitians were poised to land on US&nbsp;soil immediately after his 1993 inauguration, Clinton said he would continue Bush’s policy.

Political turmoil elsewhere in the Americas has also set off waves of mass migration in recent years, perhaps most notably in Venezuela, where a different standoff over who had the authority to lead the country played out with devastating consequences for the country — and for the region at large.

Accusing the ruling party of stealing the election, Venezuela’s congressional speaker, Juan Guaidó, proclaimed himself the nation’s rightful leader, setting off a diplomatic limbo that ultimately worsened what already was a severe economic crisis.

Dozens of nations, including the United States, recognized Guaidó as Venezuela’s president. But countries like Russia, China and Iran continued backing the nation’s authoritarian leader, Nicolás Maduro, who refused to relinquish power. The dueling factions inside Venezuela created competing parliaments, supreme courts and central banks — even parallel boards of the state energy company.

Even with crippling US&nbsp;sanctions that robbed the Venezuelan government of its most important source of revenue, oil, the Trump administration could not force Maduro from power. But as his country collapsed, millions more Venezuelans fled, spreading out across the region in search of work, food and escape from the chaos.

Ryan Berg, a senior fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, said that while Haiti’s travails were “pretty unique,” they also represented a new example of challenges to Western democracies more broadly.

“There’s a democratic recession going on,” he said. The Western Hemisphere, he said, “seems to be a region of the world that’s really ailing.”

The political storm in Haiti intensified Thursday as two competing prime ministers claimed the right to run the country, setting up an extraordinary power struggle over who had the legal authority to govern after the brazen assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in his home the day before.

The political storm in Haiti intensified Thursday as two competing prime ministers claimed the right to run the country, setting up an extraordinary power struggle over who had the legal authority to govern after the brazen assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in his home the day before. Haiti’s interim prime minister, Claude Joseph, says he has taken command of the police and the army, declaring a “state of siege” that essentially put the country under martial law. But constitutional experts questioned his right to impose it, and his claim to power was quickly challenged by a rival. Two days before his death, Moïse had appointed a new prime minister, Ariel Henry, a neurosurgeon who was supposed to take up the role this week and told a local newspaper that he was the rightful prime minister instead. The dueling claims created a volatile political crisis that left constitutional experts confused and diplomats worried about a broad societal collapse that could ignite violence or prompt Haitians to flee the country en masse, as they have after natural disasters, coups or other periods of deep instability. “No one understands” what is happening right now, said Lilas Desquiron, a Haitian writer who was culture minister from 2001-04, leaving the nation’s 11 million people in a “wait-and-see and powerless position.” Alarmed that Haiti may be approaching a breaking point reminiscent of the surge of Haitian refugees fleeing on boats to Florida after a 1991 coup, US officials quickly sided with the interim prime minister, Joseph, even though he was supposed to be replaced this week. Briefing reporters Thursday, a State Department spokesperson, Ned Price, said that Joseph was “the incumbent” at the time of the assassination and that the United States would continue to work with him “as such.” But he added that the United States had also “been in contact with” Henry, urging all Haitian officials to work together “to refrain from violence.” The top United Nations official in Haiti also backed Joseph’s claim as the rightful prime minister. The political struggle unfolded as Haitian security forces hunted for more of the attackers who killed the president. On Thursday, Haitian authorities said they had arrested 17 suspects, including two U.S. citizens, and that three foreign nationals had been killed, adding to Haitian assertions that “foreigners” had been involved. Little was known about them, but officials identified the Americans as James Solages, 35, and Joseph Vincent, 55, Florida residents of Haitian descent. The other 15 suspects were described as Colombians. Angry civilians joined in the search for the assassins, capturing some suspects themselves, setting fire to vehicles thought to have been used in the attack and calling for vigilante justice. “Burn them,” one person cried in front of a police station. Haiti had already been reeling over the question of who should be running the country. For months, angry protesters had accused the president, Moïse, of overstaying his term in a drift toward autocracy. Now, with his assassination, the leadership question grew even murkier, especially since the nation’s democratic institutions have been severely hollowed out, leaving few legitimate arbiters in the country to oversee a legal transfer of power. While many countries, including the United States, have been buffeted by rival claims to the presidency, they typically have judges, lawmakers and democratic structures to help settle the disputes. But today, Haiti is a parliamentary democracy with almost no Parliament. There are currently only 10 sitting senators out of 30 because the terms of the other 20 have expired. The lower house is entirely vacant — their terms expired last year — leaving Moïse to govern by decree for about a year. Beyond that, the judiciary has been virtually nonexistent for the past year, with repeated strikes from judges protesting the political upheaval and rampant violence often preventing them from working. And the head of the nation’s highest court died of COVID-19 in June, depriving the country of yet another means of determining who should govern. “What’s happened in Haiti is completely unprecedented,” said Rep. Andy Levin, D-Mich., co-chair of the House Haiti Caucus and member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. “You’ve got a situation where there’s no government administration that’s seen as legitimate.” Under Haitian laws, prime ministers are appointed by the president and must be approved by the Parliament, said Jacky Lumarque, rector of Quisqueya University, a large private university in Port-au-Prince. But because Parliament has not been functioning, the political legitimacy of the prime ministers is nonexistent, he argued. “The difficulty is that none of them are legitimate,” Lumarque said. Making matters worse, Haiti appears to have two constitutions, and the dueling documents say different things about what to do if a president dies in office. The 1987 version deems that if the presidency is vacant for any reason, the country’s most senior judge should step in. But in 2012, the constitution was amended, and the new one directed that the president be replaced by a council of ministers, under the guidance of the prime minister — except if, as was Moïse’s situation, the president was in the fourth year of office. In that case, Parliament would vote for a provisional president — if, of course, there were a Parliament. “Things are unclear,” said Georges Michel, a Haitian historian who helped write the 1987 constitution. “It’s a very grave situation.” The main concern right now, U.S. officials argued, is establishing some kind of order and preventing clashes by armed factions over rival claims of authority. Elections to pick a new president are secondary, they said. There is widespread fear that the situation could quickly spiral out of control, especially given the gang violence, kidnappings, protests and social upheaval that have seized the country for months. Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke Wednesday with the interim prime minister, Joseph, offering to assist the country “in support of the Haitian people and democratic governance, peace and security,” the State Department said. Joseph portrayed the conversation as having lasted more than 30 minutes and used the opportunity to signal to his country that he had the support of its most important international backers — principally, the United States. In a public address Wednesday, Joseph staked his legitimacy partly on what he called the “receptive” reaction he got from the Core Group, an unofficial coalition of ambassadors and officials from the United States, the United Nations, Canada, France, Germany, Spain, the European Union and the Organization of American States. The group has long played a major role in shaping Haitian politics, both maneuvering privately and issuing public statements to back selected leaders and encouraging or critiquing specific policies. The group provided important support for Moïse’s seating as president in 2017, though it later turned critical of his government’s failure to adhere to democratic principles. The president of what remains of the Haitian Senate, Joseph Lambert, also put out a news release Thursday morning, saying that the Senate “reassures Haitians and the international community that everything will be managed by the national institutions, political forces and civil society to guarantee the continuity of the state and the republican order.” Under the Trump administration, the United States paid relatively little attention to Haiti’s worsening political problems, and it was not a particularly prominent issue for President Joe Biden — until now. Biden is the latest in a series of modern American presidents to confront turmoil and tragedy in the country. President George H.W. Bush grappled with the surge of Haitian refugees after the 1991 coup that overthrew the president at the time, Jean-Bertrand Aristide. In 1992, Bush first ordered their detention at the Guantanamo Bay Naval Base and in 1992 ordered the Coast Guard to directly return home any migrant Haitians intercepted at sea. The refugees then became a campaign issue, with Bill Clinton denouncing Bush for “a cruel policy of returning Haitian refugees to a brutal dictatorship without an asylum hearing.” But in response to reports that 150,000 Haitians were poised to land on US soil immediately after his 1993 inauguration, Clinton said he would continue Bush’s policy. Political turmoil elsewhere in the Americas has also set off waves of mass migration in recent years, perhaps most notably in Venezuela, where a different standoff over who had the authority to lead the country played out with devastating consequences for the country — and for the region at large. Accusing the ruling party of stealing the election, Venezuela’s congressional speaker, Juan Guaidó, proclaimed himself the nation’s rightful leader, setting off a diplomatic limbo that ultimately worsened what already was a severe economic crisis. Dozens of nations, including the United States, recognized Guaidó as Venezuela’s president. But countries like Russia, China and Iran continued backing the nation’s authoritarian leader, Nicolás Maduro, who refused to relinquish power. The dueling factions inside Venezuela created competing parliaments, supreme courts and central banks — even parallel boards of the state energy company. Even with crippling US sanctions that robbed the Venezuelan government of its most important source of revenue, oil, the Trump administration could not force Maduro from power. But as his country collapsed, millions more Venezuelans fled, spreading out across the region in search of work, food and escape from the chaos. Ryan Berg, a senior fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, said that while Haiti’s travails were “pretty unique,” they also represented a new example of challenges to Western democracies more broadly. “There’s a democratic recession going on,” he said. The Western Hemisphere, he said, “seems to be a region of the world that’s really ailing.”

Political crisis in Haiti deepens over rival claims to power

In spite of its pledge to assist with the investigation, the United States denied Haiti's request for troops to assist with securing key infrastructure following the suspected mercenary assassination of President Jovenel Moise.

Moise was shot dead early Wednesday morning at his home in Port-au-Prince by gunmen, escalating Haiti's political crisis and potentially worsening hunger, gang violence, and COVID-19.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/haiti-president-jovenel-moise-assassinated-wife-injured-world-leaders-pay-tribute-396479">Haiti President Jovenel Moise assassinated, wife injured; World leaders pay tribute</a>

On Wednesday, interim Prime Minister Claude Joseph and US&nbsp;Secretary of State Antony Blinken talked about security assistance from the United States.

Haitian Elections Minister Mathias Pierre said a request for security assistance from the United States was also raised. Pierre said Haiti also requested forces from the UN Security Council.

At the moment, however, military assistance will not be provided by the United States, according to a senior administration official.

Haiti has requested the dispatch of troops to support the national police in reestablishing security and protecting critical infrastructure.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/haiti-asks-us-un-to-send-security-forces-to-stabilise-country-minister-397104">Haiti asks US, UN to send security forces to stabilise country: Minister</a>

Additionally, ensuring&nbsp;that the scheduled&nbsp;September&nbsp;26&nbsp;presidential and legislative elections can take place, Pierre said extra security reinforcements were requested.

A spokesman for the UN Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, Jose Luis Diaz, said that the UN security council's dispatch of troops would be decided by the fifteen members.

The Assassination&nbsp;

Police in Haiti has confirmed that 26 Colombian and two Haitian-American mercenaries carried out the assassination. James Solages and Joseph Vincent, two Haitian-Americans from Florida, were identified.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/haiti-says-26-colombians-two-haitian-americans-among-group-that-killed-president-396838">Haiti says 26 Colombians, two Haitian Americans among group that killed president</a>

In Petionville, a hillside suburb of the capital Port-au-Prince where Moise lived, a gun battle with the Haitian army led to the capture of 17 men, among them Solages and Vincent.

Police confirmed that three other people were killed, while eight gunmen remain on the loose. Authorities are looking for ringleaders of the assassination.

The authorities are yet to disclose how the assassins got past Moise's security detail or the motive behind the assassination.&nbsp;

Since Moise taking office in 2017, he faced widespread protests; first over corruption charges, then for his economic management and eventually his increasing stronghold on power.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-the-haitian-diaspora-shock-sadness-and-a-fear-of-what-comes-next-396808">In the Haitian diaspora: Shock, sadness and a fear of what comes next</a>

On Thursday, the White House pledged that the United States would send top FBI and Homeland Security officials to Haiti to assess the situation and see what they can do to help.

The State Department acknowledged that two US citizens were arrested in Haiti and said they are closely monitoring the situation.

State of Emergency

As part of the government's effort to apprehend the killers, Haiti declared a 15-day state of emergency on Wednesday. Since then, businesses there have been urged to reopen.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/political-crisis-in-haiti-deepens-over-rival-claims-to-power-397099">Political crisis in Haiti deepens over rival claims to power</a>

Since the country had postponed legislative elections in 2019 amid unrest, Moise, and ten senators were the only elected officials and as a result of his death, confusion about the country's legitimate leader has spread, enveloping it further in a political crisis.

(With inputs from agencies)

In spite of its pledge to assist with the investigation, the United States denied Haiti's request for troops to assist with securing key infrastructure following the suspected mercenary assassination of President Jovenel Moise.

In spite of its pledge to assist with the investigation, the United States denied Haiti's request for troops to assist with securing key infrastructure following the suspected mercenary assassination of President Jovenel Moise. Moise was shot dead early Wednesday morning at his home in Port-au-Prince by gunmen, escalating Haiti's political crisis and potentially worsening hunger, gang violence, and COVID-19. Also read | Haiti President Jovenel Moise assassinated, wife injured; World leaders pay tribute On Wednesday, interim Prime Minister Claude Joseph and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken talked about security assistance from the United States. Haitian Elections Minister Mathias Pierre said a request for security assistance from the United States was also raised. Pierre said Haiti also requested forces from the UN Security Council. At the moment, however, military assistance will not be provided by the United States, according to a senior administration official. Haiti has requested the dispatch of troops to support the national police in reestablishing security and protecting critical infrastructure. Also read | Haiti asks US, UN to send security forces to stabilise country: Minister Additionally, ensuring that the scheduled September 26 presidential and legislative elections can take place, Pierre said extra security reinforcements were requested. A spokesman for the UN Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, Jose Luis Diaz, said that the UN security council's dispatch of troops would be decided by the fifteen members. The Assassination Police in Haiti has confirmed that 26 Colombian and two Haitian-American mercenaries carried out the assassination. James Solages and Joseph Vincent, two Haitian-Americans from Florida, were identified. Also read | Haiti says 26 Colombians, two Haitian Americans among group that killed president In Petionville, a hillside suburb of the capital Port-au-Prince where Moise lived, a gun battle with the Haitian army led to the capture of 17 men, among them Solages and Vincent. Police confirmed that three other people were killed, while eight gunmen remain on the loose. Authorities are looking for ringleaders of the assassination. The authorities are yet to disclose how the assassins got past Moise's security detail or the motive behind the assassination. Since Moise taking office in 2017, he faced widespread protests; first over corruption charges, then for his economic management and eventually his increasing stronghold on power. Also read | In the Haitian diaspora: Shock, sadness and a fear of what comes next On Thursday, the White House pledged that the United States would send top FBI and Homeland Security officials to Haiti to assess the situation and see what they can do to help. The State Department acknowledged that two US citizens were arrested in Haiti and said they are closely monitoring the situation. State of Emergency As part of the government's effort to apprehend the killers, Haiti declared a 15-day state of emergency on Wednesday. Since then, businesses there have been urged to reopen. Also read | Political crisis in Haiti deepens over rival claims to power Since the country had postponed legislative elections in 2019 amid unrest, Moise, and ten senators were the only elected officials and as a result of his death, confusion about the country's legitimate leader has spread, enveloping it further in a political crisis. (With inputs from agencies)

US rebuffs Haiti troops request after president's assassination

Following the assassination of President Jovenel Moise, Haiti has urged Washington and the United Nations to send soldiers to help secure its ports, airport, and other critical facilities, according to a government minister.

The US announced it would send the FBI and other agents to Port-au-Prince.

Both the US State Department and the Pentagon stated that they had received a request for "security and investigative support" and that they were in communication with Port-au-Prince, but neither said whether military forces would be deployed.

The UN did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Earlier on Wednesday, unidentified gunmen shot Haiti's 53-year-old President Jovenel Mose at his private residence in Port-au-Prince early, further destabilising the Caribbean nation, which had already been hammered by months of protests, economic struggles, and the COVID-19 outbreak.

Four suspects were killed in a gun battle on Thursday, according to the country's police head. Two others were detained.

"We assumed the mercenaries would destroy some infrastructure to destabilise the government. We made this proposal during a chat with the US Secretary of State and the UN," Mathias Pierre, the minister of elections said. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/political-crisis-in-haiti-deepens-over-rival-claims-to-power-397099">Also read | Political crisis in Haiti deepens over rival claims to power</a>

Washington had signalled its willingness to help the Haitian investigation, and White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki added Friday that senior FBI and other officials would be heading to the Caribbean as soon as possible.

Pierre confirmed that the request had been made as questions swirled Friday about who could have masterminded the audacious assassination, with most members of a hit squad of Colombians and Americans either dead or in custody, and no clear motive made public.

Amid the uncertainty, two men are now vying to lead the country of 11 million people, more than half of whom are under age 20. There is no working parliament.

After days of paralysis in the capital, Port-au-Prince saw the timid return of people to the streets, shops opening and the resumption of public transport on Friday morning -- but under a pall of apprehension.

People scrambled to stock up on necessities at supermarkets and lined up at gas stations to buy propane used for cooking in anticipation of more instability.

(With inputs from agencies)

Following the assassination of President Jovenel Moise, Haiti has urged Washington and the United Nations to send soldiers to help secure its ports, airport, and other critical facilities, according to a government minister.

Following the assassination of President Jovenel Moise, Haiti has urged Washington and the United Nations to send soldiers to help secure its ports, airport, and other critical facilities, according to a government minister. The US announced it would send the FBI and other agents to Port-au-Prince. Both the US State Department and the Pentagon stated that they had received a request for "security and investigative support" and that they were in communication with Port-au-Prince, but neither said whether military forces would be deployed. The UN did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Earlier on Wednesday, unidentified gunmen shot Haiti's 53-year-old President Jovenel Mose at his private residence in Port-au-Prince early, further destabilising the Caribbean nation, which had already been hammered by months of protests, economic struggles, and the COVID-19 outbreak. Four suspects were killed in a gun battle on Thursday, according to the country's police head. Two others were detained. "We assumed the mercenaries would destroy some infrastructure to destabilise the government. We made this proposal during a chat with the US Secretary of State and the UN," Mathias Pierre, the minister of elections said. Also read | Political crisis in Haiti deepens over rival claims to power Washington had signalled its willingness to help the Haitian investigation, and White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki added Friday that senior FBI and other officials would be heading to the Caribbean as soon as possible. Pierre confirmed that the request had been made as questions swirled Friday about who could have masterminded the audacious assassination, with most members of a hit squad of Colombians and Americans either dead or in custody, and no clear motive made public. Amid the uncertainty, two men are now vying to lead the country of 11 million people, more than half of whom are under age 20. There is no working parliament. After days of paralysis in the capital, Port-au-Prince saw the timid return of people to the streets, shops opening and the resumption of public transport on Friday morning -- but under a pall of apprehension. People scrambled to stock up on necessities at supermarkets and lined up at gas stations to buy propane used for cooking in anticipation of more instability. (With inputs from agencies)

Haiti asks US, UN to send security forces to stabilise country: Minister

A heavily armed commando unit that assassinated Haitian President Jovenel Moise was composed of 26 Colombians and two Haitian Americans, authorities said on Thursday, as the hunt went on for the masterminds of the killing. 
 
Moise, 53, was fatally shot early on Wednesday at his home by what officials said was a group of foreign, trained killers, pitching the poorest country in the Americas deeper into turmoil amid political divisions, hunger and widespread gang violence. 
 
Authorities tracked the suspected assassins on Wednesday to a house near the scene of the crime in Petionville, a northern, hillside suburb of the capital, Port-au-Prince. A firefight lasted late into the night and authorities detained a number of suspects on Thursday. 
 
Police Chief Charles Leon paraded 17 men before journalists at a news conference late on Thursday, showing a number of Colombian passports, plus assault rifles, machetes, walkie-talkies and materials including bolt cutters and hammers.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/haiti-police-chief-4-suspected-killers-of-president-moise-slain-2-arrested-396698/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"Foreigners came to our country to kill the president," Charles said. "There were … 26 Colombians, identified by their passports … and two Haitian Americans as well.” 
 
He said 15 Colombians were captured, as well as two Haitian Americans. Three of the assailants were killed and eight remained on the run, Charles said. 
 
Colombian Defense Minister Diego Molano said in a statement that preliminary information indicated that Colombians involved in the attack were retired members of the country`s military. He said Bogota would cooperate in the investigation. 
 
Haiti`s minister of elections and interparty relations, Mathias Pierre, identified the Haitian-American suspects as James Solages, 35, and Joseph Vincent, 55. 
 
A State Department spokesman could not confirm if any U.S. citizens were among those detained, but U.S. authorities were in regular contact with Haitian officials, including investigative authorities, to discuss how the United States could provide assistance. 
 
Officials in the mostly French- and Creole-speaking Caribbean nation had said on Wednesday the assassins appeared to have spoken in English and Spanish. 
 
"It was a full, well-equipped commando, with more than six cars and a lot of equipment," Pierre said. 
 
Officials have not yet given a motive for the killing. Since taking office in 2017, Moise had faced mass protests against his rule - first over corruption allegations and his management of the economy, then over his increasing grip on power. 
 
An angry crowd gathered on Thursday morning to watch the police operation unfold, with some setting fire to the suspects` cars and to the house where they had hunkered down. Bullets were strewn in the street. 
 
"Burn them!" shouted some of the hundreds of people outside the police station where the suspects were being held. 
 
Charles said the local population had helped police track down the suspects, but he implored residents in the sprawling seafront city of 1 million people not to take justice into their own hands. 
 
A 15-day state of emergency was declared on Wednesday to help authorities apprehend the killers. But interim Prime Minister Claude Joseph said on Thursday it was time for the economy to reopen and that he had given instructions for the airport to restart operations. 
 
VACUUM OF POWER 
 
Moise`s death has generated confusion about who is the legitimate leader of the country of 11 million people, which shares the island of Hispaniola with the Dominican Republic. 
 
Haiti has struggled to achieve stability since the fall of the Duvalier family dictatorship in 1986, grappling with a series of coups and foreign interventions. 
 
A U.N. peacekeeping mission - meant to restore order after a rebellion toppled then-President Jean-Bertrand Aristide in 2004 - ended in 2019 with the country still in disarray. 
 
"I can picture a scenario under which there are issues regarding to whom the armed forces and national police are loyal, in the case there are rival claims to being placeholder president of the country," said Ryan Berg, an analyst with the Center for Strategic &amp; International Studies. 
 
Haiti`s 1987 constitution stipulates the head of the Supreme Court should take over. But amendments that are not unanimously recognized state that it be the prime minister, or, in the last year of a president`s mandate - the case with Moise - that parliament should elect a president. 
 
The head of the Supreme Court died last month due to COVID-19 amid a surge in infections in one of the few countries yet to start a vaccination campaign. 
 
There is no sitting parliament as legislative elections scheduled for late 2019 were postponed amid political unrest. 
 
Moise just this week appointed a new prime minister, Ariel Henry, to take over from Joseph, although he had yet to be sworn in when the president was killed. 
 
Joseph appeared on Wednesday to take charge of the situation, running the government response to the assassination, appealing to Washington for support and declaring a state of emergency. 
 
Henry - considered more favorably by the opposition - told Haitian newspaper Le Nouvelliste that he did not consider Joseph the legitimate prime minister and he should revert to the role of foreign minister. 
 
"I think we need to speak. Claude was supposed to stay in the government I was going to have," Henry was quoted as saying. 
 
The United Nations Special Envoy for Haiti said on Thursday Joseph would remain leader until an election was held, urging all parties to set aside their differences. 
 
Moise, backed by the international community, had been pushing to hold both elections and a constitutional referendum in September, efforts that were vehemently opposed by Haitian civil society, which had called first for a transitional government to guide the country to a vote. 
 
Pierre told Reuters the Cabinet intended to guide the country to elections in two months` time as planned. 
 
"There are many unknowns about what happens next," said Jake Johnston, a senior research associate at the Center for Economic and Policy Research in Washington. "But it is important to remember that that was also the case before the assassination of Moise."

A heavily armed commando unit that assassinated Haitian President Jovenel Moise was composed of 26 Colombians and two Haitian Americans, authorities said on Thursday, as the hunt went on for the masterminds of the killing.

A heavily armed commando unit that assassinated Haitian President Jovenel Moise was composed of 26 Colombians and two Haitian Americans, authorities said on Thursday, as the hunt went on for the masterminds of the killing. Moise, 53, was fatally shot early on Wednesday at his home by what officials said was a group of foreign, trained killers, pitching the poorest country in the Americas deeper into turmoil amid political divisions, hunger and widespread gang violence. Authorities tracked the suspected assassins on Wednesday to a house near the scene of the crime in Petionville, a northern, hillside suburb of the capital, Port-au-Prince. A firefight lasted late into the night and authorities detained a number of suspects on Thursday. Police Chief Charles Leon paraded 17 men before journalists at a news conference late on Thursday, showing a number of Colombian passports, plus assault rifles, machetes, walkie-talkies and materials including bolt cutters and hammers. Watch: "Foreigners came to our country to kill the president," Charles said. "There were … 26 Colombians, identified by their passports … and two Haitian Americans as well.” He said 15 Colombians were captured, as well as two Haitian Americans. Three of the assailants were killed and eight remained on the run, Charles said. Colombian Defense Minister Diego Molano said in a statement that preliminary information indicated that Colombians involved in the attack were retired members of the country`s military. He said Bogota would cooperate in the investigation. Haiti`s minister of elections and interparty relations, Mathias Pierre, identified the Haitian-American suspects as James Solages, 35, and Joseph Vincent, 55. A State Department spokesman could not confirm if any U.S. citizens were among those detained, but U.S. authorities were in regular contact with Haitian officials, including investigative authorities, to discuss how the United States could provide assistance. Officials in the mostly French- and Creole-speaking Caribbean nation had said on Wednesday the assassins appeared to have spoken in English and Spanish. "It was a full, well-equipped commando, with more than six cars and a lot of equipment," Pierre said. Officials have not yet given a motive for the killing. Since taking office in 2017, Moise had faced mass protests against his rule - first over corruption allegations and his management of the economy, then over his increasing grip on power. An angry crowd gathered on Thursday morning to watch the police operation unfold, with some setting fire to the suspects` cars and to the house where they had hunkered down. Bullets were strewn in the street. "Burn them!" shouted some of the hundreds of people outside the police station where the suspects were being held. Charles said the local population had helped police track down the suspects, but he implored residents in the sprawling seafront city of 1 million people not to take justice into their own hands. A 15-day state of emergency was declared on Wednesday to help authorities apprehend the killers. But interim Prime Minister Claude Joseph said on Thursday it was time for the economy to reopen and that he had given instructions for the airport to restart operations. VACUUM OF POWER Moise`s death has generated confusion about who is the legitimate leader of the country of 11 million people, which shares the island of Hispaniola with the Dominican Republic. Haiti has struggled to achieve stability since the fall of the Duvalier family dictatorship in 1986, grappling with a series of coups and foreign interventions. A U.N. peacekeeping mission - meant to restore order after a rebellion toppled then-President Jean-Bertrand Aristide in 2004 - ended in 2019 with the country still in disarray. "I can picture a scenario under which there are issues regarding to whom the armed forces and national police are loyal, in the case there are rival claims to being placeholder president of the country," said Ryan Berg, an analyst with the Center for Strategic & International Studies. Haiti`s 1987 constitution stipulates the head of the Supreme Court should take over. But amendments that are not unanimously recognized state that it be the prime minister, or, in the last year of a president`s mandate - the case with Moise - that parliament should elect a president. The head of the Supreme Court died last month due to COVID-19 amid a surge in infections in one of the few countries yet to start a vaccination campaign. There is no sitting parliament as legislative elections scheduled for late 2019 were postponed amid political unrest. Moise just this week appointed a new prime minister, Ariel Henry, to take over from Joseph, although he had yet to be sworn in when the president was killed. Joseph appeared on Wednesday to take charge of the situation, running the government response to the assassination, appealing to Washington for support and declaring a state of emergency. Henry - considered more favorably by the opposition - told Haitian newspaper Le Nouvelliste that he did not consider Joseph the legitimate prime minister and he should revert to the role of foreign minister. "I think we need to speak. Claude was supposed to stay in the government I was going to have," Henry was quoted as saying. The United Nations Special Envoy for Haiti said on Thursday Joseph would remain leader until an election was held, urging all parties to set aside their differences. Moise, backed by the international community, had been pushing to hold both elections and a constitutional referendum in September, efforts that were vehemently opposed by Haitian civil society, which had called first for a transitional government to guide the country to a vote. Pierre told Reuters the Cabinet intended to guide the country to elections in two months` time as planned. "There are many unknowns about what happens next," said Jake Johnston, a senior research associate at the Center for Economic and Policy Research in Washington. "But it is important to remember that that was also the case before the assassination of Moise."

Haiti says 26 Colombians, two Haitian Americans among group that killed president

Haiti's National Police said that 4 assassins of President Jovenel Moise have been killed and two have been taken into custody. The attackers are also said to have taken three cops hostage whom Haitian police later rescued.

Haiti Police Chief: 4 suspected killers of President Moise slain, 2 arrested

Haiti police executed four "mercenaries" they alleged were behind President Jovenel Moise's assassination on Wednesday and jailed two others.&nbsp;

"Four mercenaries were killed, two were intercepted under our control. Three policemen who had been taken hostage have been recovered," the director general of Haiti's national police Leon Charles said in a televised statement.

He said police pursued the assassins immediately after the attack on Moise and his wife, who survived, at their home in Port-au-Prince early Wednesday.

WATCH:&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/president-of-haiti-assassinated-in-private-residence-interim-pm-396588/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe> 
&nbsp;
In what investigators described as a well-planned operation involving "foreigners" who knew Spanish, a group of unknown assailants entered Moise's home early Wednesday, shooting him and wounding his wife, Martine Moise.

Interim Prime Minister Claude Joseph announced a national "state of siege" and said he was now in charge of the country as the UN Security Council scrambled to convene an emergency meeting for Thursday.

In the capital Port-au-Prince, the airport was closed, but observers reported the city was peaceful, with streets abandoned and no additional security troops on patrol.&nbsp;

Jovenel Moise was the 58th President of Haiti who had taken the office in February 2017 after being declared the winner of the November 2016 election.

This was not the first time Moise was attacked. In February 2021, Moise claimed that an attempt to take his life was blocked by the local police.&nbsp;

"I thank my head of security at the palace. The goal of these people was to make an attempt on my life. That plan was aborted, " local media had quoted him as saying at the time.

(With inputs from agencies)
</div>

Haiti police executed four "mercenaries" they alleged were behind President Jovenel Moise's assassination on Wednesday and jailed two others. "Four mercenaries were killed, two were intercepted under our control.

Haiti police executed four "mercenaries" they alleged were behind President Jovenel Moise's assassination on Wednesday and jailed two others. "Four mercenaries were killed, two were intercepted under our control. Three policemen who had been taken hostage have been recovered," the director general of Haiti's national police Leon Charles said in a televised statement. He said police pursued the assassins immediately after the attack on Moise and his wife, who survived, at their home in Port-au-Prince early Wednesday. WATCH: In what investigators described as a well-planned operation involving "foreigners" who knew Spanish, a group of unknown assailants entered Moise's home early Wednesday, shooting him and wounding his wife, Martine Moise. Interim Prime Minister Claude Joseph announced a national "state of siege" and said he was now in charge of the country as the UN Security Council scrambled to convene an emergency meeting for Thursday. In the capital Port-au-Prince, the airport was closed, but observers reported the city was peaceful, with streets abandoned and no additional security troops on patrol. Jovenel Moise was the 58th President of Haiti who had taken the office in February 2017 after being declared the winner of the November 2016 election. This was not the first time Moise was attacked. In February 2021, Moise claimed that an attempt to take his life was blocked by the local police. "I thank my head of security at the palace. The goal of these people was to make an attempt on my life. That plan was aborted, " local media had quoted him as saying at the time. (With inputs from agencies)

Haiti president assassination: Four 'mercenaries' killed, two arrested by police

UN envoy to <a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/in-the-haitian-diaspora-shock-sadness-and-a-fear-of-what-comes-next-396808">Haiti </a>said on Thursday that police have surrounded suspects&nbsp;responsible for President Jovenel Moise's assassination.

The police had claimed earlier that&nbsp;they had apprehended two suspected members who had reportedly killed Moise.

Moise, 53, was shot dead after assassins stormed his house although Haiti's police and army quickly moved to tackle them.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/haiti-police-chief-4-suspected-killers-of-president-moise-slain-2-arrested-396698/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"I'm also aware that a larger group of possible perpetrators have taken refuge in two buildings in the city and they are now surrounded by the police," the UN envoy to Haiti Helen La Lime said.

Amid the clash, the security forces reportedly killed four suspects and arrested two others and freed two officers who were taken hostage.

After the incident, Dominican Republic closed its border with Haiti with the United Nations Security Council set to hold a special meeting on the situation in Haiti today.

Haitian police have been combing the area for more gunmen after killing or capturing at least six "mercenaries", reports say.

Security officials have been roaming the country's capital Port-au-Prince with shops and business establishment shut amid a tense situation prevailing in the country.

Haiti's airport was closed as security forces engaged in a shootout with suspected assailants in Port-au-Prince.

The reason for the assination is still unclear and no information on who is responsible for the attack.&nbsp;

Moise was sworn in as president in February 2017, however, the term of his office became controversial as he looked to rule with the help of decrees as&nbsp;elections due in 2018 were delayed.

(With inputs from Agencies)

UN envoy to Haiti said on Thursday that police have surrounded suspects responsible for President Jovenel Moise's assassination. The police had claimed earlier that they had apprehended two suspected members who had reportedly killed Moise.

UN envoy to Haiti said on Thursday that police have surrounded suspects responsible for President Jovenel Moise's assassination. The police had claimed earlier that they had apprehended two suspected members who had reportedly killed Moise. Moise, 53, was shot dead after assassins stormed his house although Haiti's police and army quickly moved to tackle them. Watch: "I'm also aware that a larger group of possible perpetrators have taken refuge in two buildings in the city and they are now surrounded by the police," the UN envoy to Haiti Helen La Lime said. Amid the clash, the security forces reportedly killed four suspects and arrested two others and freed two officers who were taken hostage. After the incident, Dominican Republic closed its border with Haiti with the United Nations Security Council set to hold a special meeting on the situation in Haiti today. Haitian police have been combing the area for more gunmen after killing or capturing at least six "mercenaries", reports say. Security officials have been roaming the country's capital Port-au-Prince with shops and business establishment shut amid a tense situation prevailing in the country. Haiti's airport was closed as security forces engaged in a shootout with suspected assailants in Port-au-Prince. The reason for the assination is still unclear and no information on who is responsible for the attack. Moise was sworn in as president in February 2017, however, the term of his office became controversial as he looked to rule with the help of decrees as elections due in 2018 were delayed. (With inputs from Agencies)

Moise assassination suspects surrounded in two buildings, says UN envoy to Haiti

Many Haitians in the diaspora feared the worst on Wednesday, following the assassination of Haiti’s president, Jovenel Moïse, an act of violence viewed by many as a potent symbol of the impoverished Caribbean nation’s descent into mayhem in recent months.

Rodney Saint-Éloi, a celebrated Haitian-Canadian poet and publisher in Montreal, said the assassination of Moïse was a blow to democracy in Haiti. “It turns all Haitians into assassins because he was, like it or not, the president of all Haitians,” he said. “It is the failure of a society and of an elite who helped get us to this point.”

Moïse, killed in an attack early Wednesday on the outskirts of the capital, Port-au-Prince, had presided over a country buffeted by instability, endemic corruption, and gang violence, and his refusal to cede power had angered Haitians the world over. Many in the diaspora had put off trips home for the past year, as kidnappings and other acts of violence became more commonplace.

Frantz André, a leading Haitian human rights advocate in Montreal, organized a protest in March in which dozens of Haitians demonstrated against what they called Moïse’s political repression. He said that Moïse was a deeply polarizing figure and that he and other Haitians abroad on Wednesday were feeling “mixed emotions.”

“I don’t think it would be wise to scream victory at his assassination because we don’t know what will come after and the situation could be even more precarious,” André said. “Educated people saw him as a threat to democracy and others have been protesting against him because they have nothing to eat.”

But André added that a sizable minority had also supported Moïse and saw him as a catalyst for change because he had been promoting the idea of giving Haitians outside the country the right to vote, and was pushing to change the Haitian Constitution.

On Wednesday, in New York, Montreal, and Miami, Haitians of all political stripes expressed frustration with the state of the country, where a majority of the population earns less than $2.41 a day and which was ranked 170 out of 180 for perceived corruption in 2020 — tied with North Korea — by Transparency International, the anti-corruption watchdog.

Conspiracy theories were swirling as to who had killed Moïse, a man with many enemies. André said one theory circulating in the Haitian community was that the killers, who were heard speaking Spanish, could have been hired assassins from the Dominican Republic.

Because of its chronic instability, Haiti has a large diaspora, with some of the largest communities based in the United States, Canada, France and the Dominican Republic. There are about 1.2 million Haitians or people of Haitian origin in the United States, according to 2018 data from the U.S. Census Bureau. But the figure is thought to be higher because of a sizable number of immigrants who are in the country illegally.

More than two centuries ago, Haitians fought to throw off the yoke of colonial France and bring an end to one of the world’s most brutal slave colonies, which had brought France great wealth. What started as a slave uprising toward the end of the 18th century eventually led to the stunning defeat of Napoleon’s forces and a declaration of independence in 1804.

But the suffering of the Haitians did not end with the ouster of the French.

The tail end of a brutal, three-decade-long dictatorship under Papa Doc Duvalier and his son, Baby Doc, sent a wave of Haitians to the United States in the 1980s. After the Haiti earthquake in 2010, the United States granted temporary protected statuses to more than 55,000 Haitians, according to the Migration Policy Institute.

On Wednesday, not all were upset by the news of the assassination. In New York, home of a vibrant Haitian expatriate community, Dahoud André, a Haitian radio host from Brooklyn, said he was overjoyed.

“There will be celebrations on the streets of New York,” he said, stressing that Moïse had won the 2016 elections with just under 600,000 votes in a country of 11 million people.

“We believe it is a good thing for the Haitian people that Jovenel Moïse is dead,” he said. “He was a criminal, who never had any legitimacy and under his leadership, there have been massacres, and corruption, and the arming and financing of street gangs. The only people mourning will be those who were helping him to steal.”

Anthonine Pierre, a community organizer in Brooklyn who works for a group developing Black social justice leadership, said the assassination was her generation’s moment to grapple with upheaval in Haiti. “I think that every Haitian person alive has lived through a lot of instability in the Haitian government and this is just a different moment,” she said. “This is our generation’s moment.”

The opposition in Haiti said Moïse’s five-year term should have ended in February. Moïse insisted he had one more year to serve, because his term did not begin until a year after the presidential election, amid accusations of voting fraud.

Garry Pierre-Pierre, publisher of The Haitian Times in New York, said the assassination had seemed a step too far, even for Haiti. “I didn’t see this coming, because this is something I thought we had put behind us,” he said. “Despite the shakiness of our democracy, assassination was not a stage we’d ​go.”

In South Florida, so many Haitians have flocked to the region over the past decades a neighborhood in Miami is known as “Little Haiti.” In recent years, a thriving middle class has emerged and is gaining political influence.

Leonie Hermantin, a Haitian community leader in Miami, said Moïse took on many projects in the northwest of Haiti, where he is from, and enjoyed support there, particularly from the working class. He also received some support in South Florida, she said.

“To some he was a corrupt leader, but to others he was a reformer. He was a man who was trying to change the power dynamics, particularly when it came to money and who had control over electricity contracts,” Hermantin said.

In Canada, many members of the diaspora had expressed concern in recent months at the deteriorating situation in Haiti and what they saw as Moïse’s authoritarian leadership.

Frantz Benjamin, a Haitian Canadian member of the provincial Parliament for the Quebec Liberal Party, said the assassination underlined the utter lack of public safety in Haiti. He said he feared the assassination would undermine economic and political development and deter foreign investment in a country dependent on foreign aid.

“Whether you supported him or not, no one is a winner from this, there is no joy,” he said. “If you can kill a president, you can kill anyone.”

Many Haitians in the diaspora feared the worst on Wednesday, following the assassination of Haiti’s president, Jovenel Moïse, an act of violence viewed by many as a potent symbol of the impoverished Caribbean nation’s descent into mayhem in recent months.

Many Haitians in the diaspora feared the worst on Wednesday, following the assassination of Haiti’s president, Jovenel Moïse, an act of violence viewed by many as a potent symbol of the impoverished Caribbean nation’s descent into mayhem in recent months. Rodney Saint-Éloi, a celebrated Haitian-Canadian poet and publisher in Montreal, said the assassination of Moïse was a blow to democracy in Haiti. “It turns all Haitians into assassins because he was, like it or not, the president of all Haitians,” he said. “It is the failure of a society and of an elite who helped get us to this point.” Moïse, killed in an attack early Wednesday on the outskirts of the capital, Port-au-Prince, had presided over a country buffeted by instability, endemic corruption, and gang violence, and his refusal to cede power had angered Haitians the world over. Many in the diaspora had put off trips home for the past year, as kidnappings and other acts of violence became more commonplace. Frantz André, a leading Haitian human rights advocate in Montreal, organized a protest in March in which dozens of Haitians demonstrated against what they called Moïse’s political repression. He said that Moïse was a deeply polarizing figure and that he and other Haitians abroad on Wednesday were feeling “mixed emotions.” “I don’t think it would be wise to scream victory at his assassination because we don’t know what will come after and the situation could be even more precarious,” André said. “Educated people saw him as a threat to democracy and others have been protesting against him because they have nothing to eat.” But André added that a sizable minority had also supported Moïse and saw him as a catalyst for change because he had been promoting the idea of giving Haitians outside the country the right to vote, and was pushing to change the Haitian Constitution. On Wednesday, in New York, Montreal, and Miami, Haitians of all political stripes expressed frustration with the state of the country, where a majority of the population earns less than $2.41 a day and which was ranked 170 out of 180 for perceived corruption in 2020 — tied with North Korea — by Transparency International, the anti-corruption watchdog. Conspiracy theories were swirling as to who had killed Moïse, a man with many enemies. André said one theory circulating in the Haitian community was that the killers, who were heard speaking Spanish, could have been hired assassins from the Dominican Republic. Because of its chronic instability, Haiti has a large diaspora, with some of the largest communities based in the United States, Canada, France and the Dominican Republic. There are about 1.2 million Haitians or people of Haitian origin in the United States, according to 2018 data from the U.S. Census Bureau. But the figure is thought to be higher because of a sizable number of immigrants who are in the country illegally. More than two centuries ago, Haitians fought to throw off the yoke of colonial France and bring an end to one of the world’s most brutal slave colonies, which had brought France great wealth. What started as a slave uprising toward the end of the 18th century eventually led to the stunning defeat of Napoleon’s forces and a declaration of independence in 1804. But the suffering of the Haitians did not end with the ouster of the French. The tail end of a brutal, three-decade-long dictatorship under Papa Doc Duvalier and his son, Baby Doc, sent a wave of Haitians to the United States in the 1980s. After the Haiti earthquake in 2010, the United States granted temporary protected statuses to more than 55,000 Haitians, according to the Migration Policy Institute. On Wednesday, not all were upset by the news of the assassination. In New York, home of a vibrant Haitian expatriate community, Dahoud André, a Haitian radio host from Brooklyn, said he was overjoyed. “There will be celebrations on the streets of New York,” he said, stressing that Moïse had won the 2016 elections with just under 600,000 votes in a country of 11 million people. “We believe it is a good thing for the Haitian people that Jovenel Moïse is dead,” he said. “He was a criminal, who never had any legitimacy and under his leadership, there have been massacres, and corruption, and the arming and financing of street gangs. The only people mourning will be those who were helping him to steal.” Anthonine Pierre, a community organizer in Brooklyn who works for a group developing Black social justice leadership, said the assassination was her generation’s moment to grapple with upheaval in Haiti. “I think that every Haitian person alive has lived through a lot of instability in the Haitian government and this is just a different moment,” she said. “This is our generation’s moment.” The opposition in Haiti said Moïse’s five-year term should have ended in February. Moïse insisted he had one more year to serve, because his term did not begin until a year after the presidential election, amid accusations of voting fraud. Garry Pierre-Pierre, publisher of The Haitian Times in New York, said the assassination had seemed a step too far, even for Haiti. “I didn’t see this coming, because this is something I thought we had put behind us,” he said. “Despite the shakiness of our democracy, assassination was not a stage we’d go.” In South Florida, so many Haitians have flocked to the region over the past decades a neighborhood in Miami is known as “Little Haiti.” In recent years, a thriving middle class has emerged and is gaining political influence. Leonie Hermantin, a Haitian community leader in Miami, said Moïse took on many projects in the northwest of Haiti, where he is from, and enjoyed support there, particularly from the working class. He also received some support in South Florida, she said. “To some he was a corrupt leader, but to others he was a reformer. He was a man who was trying to change the power dynamics, particularly when it came to money and who had control over electricity contracts,” Hermantin said. In Canada, many members of the diaspora had expressed concern in recent months at the deteriorating situation in Haiti and what they saw as Moïse’s authoritarian leadership. Frantz Benjamin, a Haitian Canadian member of the provincial Parliament for the Quebec Liberal Party, said the assassination underlined the utter lack of public safety in Haiti. He said he feared the assassination would undermine economic and political development and deter foreign investment in a country dependent on foreign aid. “Whether you supported him or not, no one is a winner from this, there is no joy,” he said. “If you can kill a president, you can kill anyone.”

In the Haitian diaspora: Shock, sadness and a fear of what comes next

In a shocking announcement, Haiti's interim Prime Minister Claude Joseph reported that President&nbsp;Jovenel Moise has been assassinated.

"A group of individuals who have not been identified, some of whom were speaking Spanish and English, attacked the private residence of the President of the Republic and fatally injured the Head of State," Joseph said in a statement.

Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/tropical-storm-elsa-churns-past-haiti-headed-for-cuba-395659" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/tropical-storm-elsa-churns-past-haiti-headed-for-cuba-395659&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwinuMmk8dDxAhUS4nMBHRuxBe0QFnoECAEQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw1PGrzS3UdivwYu_u6AYbLm" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tropical-storm-elsa-churns-past-haiti-headed-for-cuba-395659" target="_blank">Tropical storm Elsa churns past&nbsp;Haiti, headed for Cuba</a>

The First Lady,&nbsp;Martine Moïse, was also shot along with the deceased President, but she has survived the attack and is currently under strict security and medical observation.

As per initial reports, Moise family was&nbsp;attacked in his home in the hills above Port-au-Prince.

Claude has urged the country to stay calm and has assured that "all measures have been taken to ensure the continuity of the State and to protect the Nation. Democracy and the Republic will win out."

As of now,&nbsp;Claude Joseph has taken control of the Caribbean country.

Jovenel Moise was the&nbsp;58th President of Haiti who had taken the office in February 2017 after being declared the winner of the November 2016 election.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/president-of-haiti-assassinated-in-private-residence-interim-pm-396588">WATCH |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/president-of-haiti-assassinated-in-private-residence-interim-pm-396588/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

This was not the first time Moise was attacked. In February 2021, Moise had claimed that an attempt to take his life was blocked by the local police. "I thank my head of security at the palace. The goal of these people was to make an attempt on my life. That plan was aborted," local media had quoted him.

His assassination has come at a time when the country has been battling an alarming increase of armed gangs in the country.

Condolences for 'shocking' incident

The US has offered condolences after the leader's assassination and has assured that the Joe Biden-led government "will be helpful in any way to the people of Haiti, to the government of Haiti,"&nbsp;White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said.

Joe Biden, the US President, was also informed about the incident. "We are shocked and saddened to hear of the horrific assassination of President Jovenel Moise and the attack on First Lady Martine Moise," he said in a statement later. "We condemn this heinous act and I am sending my sincere wishes for First Lady Moise's recovery."

Boris Johnson, the UK Prime Minister, also offered his prayers for the Moise family after the 'abhorrent act' that killed the President. "I am shocked and saddened at the death of President Moïse. Our condolences are with his family and the people of Haiti. This is an abhorrent act and I call for calm at this time," Johnson tweeted.

Calling it a&nbsp;"cowardly assassination", France paid tribute to the leader and urged&nbsp;restraint and calm in the country.&nbsp;"All light must be shed on this crime, which takes place in a political and security climate that has severely worsened," said Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian. "I urge all those in Haitian politics to act with calm and restraint."

In a shocking announcement, Haiti's interim Prime Minister Claude Joseph reported that President Jovenel Moise has been assassinated. "A group of individuals who have not been identified, some of whom were speaking Spanish and English, attacked the private residence of the President of the Republic and fatally injured the Head of State," Joseph said in a statement.

In a shocking announcement, Haiti's interim Prime Minister Claude Joseph reported that President Jovenel Moise has been assassinated. "A group of individuals who have not been identified, some of whom were speaking Spanish and English, attacked the private residence of the President of the Republic and fatally injured the Head of State," Joseph said in a statement. Also read | Tropical storm Elsa churns past Haiti, headed for Cuba The First Lady, Martine Moïse, was also shot along with the deceased President, but she has survived the attack and is currently under strict security and medical observation. As per initial reports, Moise family was attacked in his home in the hills above Port-au-Prince. Claude has urged the country to stay calm and has assured that "all measures have been taken to ensure the continuity of the State and to protect the Nation. Democracy and the Republic will win out." As of now, Claude Joseph has taken control of the Caribbean country. Jovenel Moise was the 58th President of Haiti who had taken the office in February 2017 after being declared the winner of the November 2016 election. WATCH | This was not the first time Moise was attacked. In February 2021, Moise had claimed that an attempt to take his life was blocked by the local police. "I thank my head of security at the palace. The goal of these people was to make an attempt on my life. That plan was aborted," local media had quoted him. His assassination has come at a time when the country has been battling an alarming increase of armed gangs in the country. Condolences for 'shocking' incident The US has offered condolences after the leader's assassination and has assured that the Joe Biden-led government "will be helpful in any way to the people of Haiti, to the government of Haiti," White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said. Joe Biden, the US President, was also informed about the incident. "We are shocked and saddened to hear of the horrific assassination of President Jovenel Moise and the attack on First Lady Martine Moise," he said in a statement later. "We condemn this heinous act and I am sending my sincere wishes for First Lady Moise's recovery." Boris Johnson, the UK Prime Minister, also offered his prayers for the Moise family after the 'abhorrent act' that killed the President. "I am shocked and saddened at the death of President Moïse. Our condolences are with his family and the people of Haiti. This is an abhorrent act and I call for calm at this time," Johnson tweeted. Calling it a "cowardly assassination", France paid tribute to the leader and urged restraint and calm in the country. "All light must be shed on this crime, which takes place in a political and security climate that has severely worsened," said Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian. "I urge all those in Haitian politics to act with calm and restraint."

Haiti President Jovenel Moise assassinated, wife injured; World leaders pay tribute

Hurricane Elsa churned through the Caribbean early Saturday, bringing powerful winds and threatening to pile further misery on violence-wracked Haiti.

The Category 1 storm weakened slightly overnight and was packing maximum sustained winds of 75 miles (120 kilometres) per hour.

At 8:00 am (1200 GMT), it was just south of Hispaniola, which is made up of Haiti and the Dominican Republic, and moving northwest at 31 mph, the US National Hurricane Center (NHC) said.

"On the forecast track, Elsa will move near the southern coast of Hispaniola later today and tonight, and move near Jamaica and portions of eastern Cuba on Sunday," the NHC said.

"By Monday, Elsa is expected to move across central and western Cuba and head toward the Florida Straits."

The NHC said Elsa could bring tidal surges of as much as five feet (1.5 meters) above normal on Cuba's southern coast; up to four feet on the southern coast of Hispaniola; and up to three feet on the coast of Jamaica.

In Haiti, authorities raised the alert level to the maximum red on Saturday morning, warning the entire country to remain vigilant.&nbsp;

"Strong gusts of wind ranging from 118 to 130 kilometers (73 to 81 miles) per hour and dangerous sea conditions that could cause severe flooding, flash floods, landslides, mudslides and coastal flooding are possible, especially in the southern part of the country, as this cyclonic system approaches and passes through today," Haitian civil protection authorities announced.&nbsp;

Officials in the impoverished country have voiced fears that they lack emergency supplies such as food and water.

The government recently had to use a good part of its emergency resources in another crisis: the evacuation of thousands of people from their homes in Port-au-Prince because of raging gang violence.

Many of these people are staying in gyms, schools or other public buildings, and some supplies originally earmarked for the hurricane season have been used to support them, said Jerry Chandler, director of the Haitian civil protection agency.

Heavily armed gangs

Authorities want to ship emergency supplies to the southern coast, which is most threatened. But heavily armed gangs control part of the only road leading from the capital to the south and are allowing nothing through.

To reach these threatened areas, Chandler said, "we have to go through red zones," referring to gang-held territory.

In 2016, Hurricane Matthew killed more than 500 people in southern Haiti and caused nearly $2 billion in damage.

Rainfall, storm surges and strong winds from Elsa could affect the Florida Keys and parts of the Florida peninsula early next week, but this depends on how the storm behaves after it hits large Caribbean islands, the NHC said.

The storm system's projected path has it near the Keys by 2:00 am on Tuesday, then moving up Florida's Gulf Coast before turning northeast toward the state's most populous city, Jacksonville.

Hurricane-related weather would be bad news for the Florida town of Surfside, near Miami, where rescuers are trying to dig out a collapsed condo building in search of survivors and bodies.

Elsa is expected to fall below hurricane status on its approach to the Florida peninsula but could regain strength.

The state expects to have 2.6 million drivers on the roads during the July 4 holiday weekend, according to South Florida's Sun-Sentinel newspaper, citing the AAA auto club.&nbsp;

"I would say at this point, with a tropical storm being forecast, it isn't unreasonable for South Floridians to be ready for the potential of a Category 1 hurricane knocking on our door early next week," said Robert Garcia, a meteorologist with the National Hurricane Center, according to the paper.

"It is something that can't be ruled out, and folks should be aware that's something we may have to prepare for here during the holiday weekend."

Hurricane Elsa churned through the Caribbean early Saturday, bringing powerful winds and threatening to pile further misery on violence-wracked Haiti. The Category 1 storm weakened slightly overnight and was packing maximum sustained winds of 75 miles (120 kilometres) per hour.

Hurricane Elsa churned through the Caribbean early Saturday, bringing powerful winds and threatening to pile further misery on violence-wracked Haiti. The Category 1 storm weakened slightly overnight and was packing maximum sustained winds of 75 miles (120 kilometres) per hour. At 8:00 am (1200 GMT), it was just south of Hispaniola, which is made up of Haiti and the Dominican Republic, and moving northwest at 31 mph, the US National Hurricane Center (NHC) said. "On the forecast track, Elsa will move near the southern coast of Hispaniola later today and tonight, and move near Jamaica and portions of eastern Cuba on Sunday," the NHC said. "By Monday, Elsa is expected to move across central and western Cuba and head toward the Florida Straits." The NHC said Elsa could bring tidal surges of as much as five feet (1.5 meters) above normal on Cuba's southern coast; up to four feet on the southern coast of Hispaniola; and up to three feet on the coast of Jamaica. In Haiti, authorities raised the alert level to the maximum red on Saturday morning, warning the entire country to remain vigilant. "Strong gusts of wind ranging from 118 to 130 kilometers (73 to 81 miles) per hour and dangerous sea conditions that could cause severe flooding, flash floods, landslides, mudslides and coastal flooding are possible, especially in the southern part of the country, as this cyclonic system approaches and passes through today," Haitian civil protection authorities announced. Officials in the impoverished country have voiced fears that they lack emergency supplies such as food and water. The government recently had to use a good part of its emergency resources in another crisis: the evacuation of thousands of people from their homes in Port-au-Prince because of raging gang violence. Many of these people are staying in gyms, schools or other public buildings, and some supplies originally earmarked for the hurricane season have been used to support them, said Jerry Chandler, director of the Haitian civil protection agency. Heavily armed gangs Authorities want to ship emergency supplies to the southern coast, which is most threatened. But heavily armed gangs control part of the only road leading from the capital to the south and are allowing nothing through. To reach these threatened areas, Chandler said, "we have to go through red zones," referring to gang-held territory. In 2016, Hurricane Matthew killed more than 500 people in southern Haiti and caused nearly $2 billion in damage. Rainfall, storm surges and strong winds from Elsa could affect the Florida Keys and parts of the Florida peninsula early next week, but this depends on how the storm behaves after it hits large Caribbean islands, the NHC said. The storm system's projected path has it near the Keys by 2:00 am on Tuesday, then moving up Florida's Gulf Coast before turning northeast toward the state's most populous city, Jacksonville. Hurricane-related weather would be bad news for the Florida town of Surfside, near Miami, where rescuers are trying to dig out a collapsed condo building in search of survivors and bodies. Elsa is expected to fall below hurricane status on its approach to the Florida peninsula but could regain strength. The state expects to have 2.6 million drivers on the roads during the July 4 holiday weekend, according to South Florida's Sun-Sentinel newspaper, citing the AAA auto club. "I would say at this point, with a tropical storm being forecast, it isn't unreasonable for South Floridians to be ready for the potential of a Category 1 hurricane knocking on our door early next week," said Robert Garcia, a meteorologist with the National Hurricane Center, according to the paper. "It is something that can't be ruled out, and folks should be aware that's something we may have to prepare for here during the holiday weekend."

Hurricane Elsa barrels toward Haiti

Tropical Storm Elsa churned late Saturday off the southwestern coast of Haiti, headed toward Jamaica and eastern Cuba as forecasters warned of heavy rains, flash flooding and mudslides.

The weather system brought maximum sustained winds of 65 miles (100 kilometres) per hour and was moving northwest at 17 miles per hour, the US National Hurricane Center (NHC) said.

"There are fairly intense gusts of wind and light rain, but so far we have not recorded any damage," said Jerry Chandler, director of the Haitian Civil Protection Agency.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-faces-astrazeneca-vaccine-chaos-over-pm-morrisons-statement-394929">Also read |&nbsp;Australia faces AstraZeneca vaccine chaos over PM Morrison's statement</a>

Elsa was the Atlantic's first hurricane of the season on Friday, when it was a Category 1 storm, until being downgraded on Saturday afternoon.&nbsp;

The storm was not expected to change in strength overnight, with "some slight strengthening possible Sunday afternoon as Elsa approaches the south-central coast of Cuba," the NHC said in its 11 pm (0300 GMT Sunday) update.

Forecasters had warned of rainfall of 4 to 8 inches (10 to 20 centimetres) across portions of southern Hispaniola and Jamaica, with isolated areas receiving 15 inches.

"This rain may lead to scattered flash flooding and mudslides, some of which may be significant in nature," the NHC said.

Cuba is Elsa's next target, with hurricane conditions expected on the eastern part of the island Sunday, while the southern coast could see a storm surge of 3 to 5 feet.

From Sunday into Monday, parts of Cuba could get 5 to 10 inches of rain, with isolated incidents of 15 inches resulting in "significant flash flooding and mudslides," the NHC said.

Haiti on alert

In Haiti, authorities raised the alert level to the maximum red on Saturday morning, warning the entire country to remain vigilant.

Officials in the impoverished nation have voiced fears that they lack emergency supplies such as food and water.

The government recently used a good part of its emergency resources in another crisis: the evacuation of thousands of people from their homes in Port-au-Prince because of raging gang violence.

Many of the displaced are staying in gyms, schools, or other public buildings, and some supplies originally earmarked for hurricane season have been diverted to support them, Chandler said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-orders-investigation-into-ransomware-attack-that-targetted-1000-businesses-395642">Also read |&nbsp;Joe Biden orders investigation into ransomware attack that targetted 1,000 businesses</a>

Authorities want to ship emergency supplies to the southern coast, but heavily armed gangs control part of the only road leading from the capital to the south and are allowing nothing through.

To reach these threatened areas, Chandler said, "we have to go through red zones," referring to gang-held territory.

In 2016, Category 4 Hurricane Matthew killed more than 500 people in southern Haiti and caused nearly $2 billion in damage.

Preparations in Florida

In the United States, parts of the Florida Keys were placed under a tropical storm watch on Saturday evening with forecasters expecting rain, storm surges, and strong winds from Elsa to affect the area and the Florida peninsula early next week.

Hurricane-related weather would be bad news for the Florida town of Surfside, near Miami, where rescuers are trying to dig out a collapsed condo building in search of survivors and bodies.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis told reporters Saturday that the part of the building still standing could be demolished before Elsa's arrival to protect the safety of the hundreds of search and rescue workers at the site.

The work could be completed within 36 hours, entailing "minimal work stoppage from the search and rescue teams," he said.

Meanwhile, the state expects to have 2.6 million drivers on the roads during the July 4 holiday weekend, according to South Florida's Sun-Sentinel newspaper, citing the AAA auto club.

"It isn't unreasonable for South Floridians to be ready for the potential of a Category 1 hurricane knocking on our door early next week," said Robert Garcia, a meteorologist with the National Hurricane Center, according to the paper.

"It is something that can't be ruled out, and folks should be aware that's something we may have to prepare for here during the holiday weekend."

Tropical Storm Elsa churned late Saturday off the southwestern coast of Haiti, headed toward Jamaica and eastern Cuba as forecasters warned of heavy rains, flash flooding and mudslides.

Tropical Storm Elsa churned late Saturday off the southwestern coast of Haiti, headed toward Jamaica and eastern Cuba as forecasters warned of heavy rains, flash flooding and mudslides. The weather system brought maximum sustained winds of 65 miles (100 kilometres) per hour and was moving northwest at 17 miles per hour, the US National Hurricane Center (NHC) said. "There are fairly intense gusts of wind and light rain, but so far we have not recorded any damage," said Jerry Chandler, director of the Haitian Civil Protection Agency. Also read | Australia faces AstraZeneca vaccine chaos over PM Morrison's statement Elsa was the Atlantic's first hurricane of the season on Friday, when it was a Category 1 storm, until being downgraded on Saturday afternoon. The storm was not expected to change in strength overnight, with "some slight strengthening possible Sunday afternoon as Elsa approaches the south-central coast of Cuba," the NHC said in its 11 pm (0300 GMT Sunday) update. Forecasters had warned of rainfall of 4 to 8 inches (10 to 20 centimetres) across portions of southern Hispaniola and Jamaica, with isolated areas receiving 15 inches. "This rain may lead to scattered flash flooding and mudslides, some of which may be significant in nature," the NHC said. Cuba is Elsa's next target, with hurricane conditions expected on the eastern part of the island Sunday, while the southern coast could see a storm surge of 3 to 5 feet. From Sunday into Monday, parts of Cuba could get 5 to 10 inches of rain, with isolated incidents of 15 inches resulting in "significant flash flooding and mudslides," the NHC said. Haiti on alert In Haiti, authorities raised the alert level to the maximum red on Saturday morning, warning the entire country to remain vigilant. Officials in the impoverished nation have voiced fears that they lack emergency supplies such as food and water. The government recently used a good part of its emergency resources in another crisis: the evacuation of thousands of people from their homes in Port-au-Prince because of raging gang violence. Many of the displaced are staying in gyms, schools, or other public buildings, and some supplies originally earmarked for hurricane season have been diverted to support them, Chandler said. Also read | Joe Biden orders investigation into ransomware attack that targetted 1,000 businesses Authorities want to ship emergency supplies to the southern coast, but heavily armed gangs control part of the only road leading from the capital to the south and are allowing nothing through. To reach these threatened areas, Chandler said, "we have to go through red zones," referring to gang-held territory. In 2016, Category 4 Hurricane Matthew killed more than 500 people in southern Haiti and caused nearly $2 billion in damage. Preparations in Florida In the United States, parts of the Florida Keys were placed under a tropical storm watch on Saturday evening with forecasters expecting rain, storm surges, and strong winds from Elsa to affect the area and the Florida peninsula early next week. Hurricane-related weather would be bad news for the Florida town of Surfside, near Miami, where rescuers are trying to dig out a collapsed condo building in search of survivors and bodies. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis told reporters Saturday that the part of the building still standing could be demolished before Elsa's arrival to protect the safety of the hundreds of search and rescue workers at the site. The work could be completed within 36 hours, entailing "minimal work stoppage from the search and rescue teams," he said. Meanwhile, the state expects to have 2.6 million drivers on the roads during the July 4 holiday weekend, according to South Florida's Sun-Sentinel newspaper, citing the AAA auto club. "It isn't unreasonable for South Floridians to be ready for the potential of a Category 1 hurricane knocking on our door early next week," said Robert Garcia, a meteorologist with the National Hurricane Center, according to the paper. "It is something that can't be ruled out, and folks should be aware that's something we may have to prepare for here during the holiday weekend."

Tropical storm Elsa churns past Haiti, headed for Cuba

At least 15 people, including a journalist and an opposition activist, were killed in&nbsp;Haiti&nbsp;in overnight violence suspected to be revenge attacks after the death of a police officer, officials said Wednesday.

Photographs of reporter Diego Charles lying dead on the ground and of political activist Antoinette Duclair dead in her car circulated on Haitian social media.

"In reaction to the assassination of Guerby Geffrard (the police officer killed), his allies concocted this morning's shootings which resulted in the death of 15 peaceful citizens," national police chief Leon Charles told a press conference.

Charles said an investigation into the violence in the capital Port-au-Prince had been opened "to trace all the perpetrators and co-perpetrators of the crimes committed."

Geffrard, the spokesperson for a police union that is in open conflict with the police force, was shot hours before the shooting spree in the same city district.

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Charles' statements sparked criticism from journalists and civil rights organizations, who doubt their truth.

"To come out and simply say, 'We know the double murder of Diego Charles and Antoinette Duclair came from this union,' we think that is acting with great haste and above all great casualness," said Marie Rosy August Ducena of the National Network for the Defense of Human Rights, a non-governmental organization.

Locals angered by the violence protested by dumping flaming tires in the road.

The brother of a famous Haitian singer was also among the victims of the shooting.

Prime Minister Claude Joseph's office released a statement expressing his condolences.

"These horrible crimes and these reprehensible actions cannot go unpunished in a democratic society," Joseph said.

Worsening violence

Violence has been sharply on the rise in&nbsp;Haiti&nbsp;this year, with gunfights between rival groups prompting many residents of poor districts of the city to flee their homes.

"We are in a situation where human rights are being denied and life is being trivialized... We cannot continue to count bodies every day," said Ducena.

Journalists also expressed their concerns about the deaths.

"We are dismayed by this murder, which lengthens the list of journalists killed in the past three years," said Jacques Desrosiers, head of the Haitian Journalists Association.

"As they always do, judicial authorities will announce investigations that lead nowhere," said Desrosiers. "We are used to that."

In 2000,&nbsp;Haiti's most prominent journalist, Jean Dominique, was murdered in a case that remains unsolved to this day.

"There was no justice for Jean Dominique, as there will be none for Diego. We are left to fend for ourselves," said Assad Volcy, director of Gazette&nbsp;Haiti, an online news outlet for which Charles worked.

More recently, photojournalist Vladjimir Legagneur went to the now gang-plagued Martissant neighbourhood of the capital on a reporting assignment in 2018 and was never heard from again.

Police have still not published the results of DNA tests performed on a body found a few days after Legagneur vanished.

Probes into the killing of two journalists in 2019 also yielded nothing.

Thousands of residents of Martissant have become refugees in their own city, living in sports centres or temporary accommodation in private homes because of the gang violence.

Undermined by insecurity and political instability,&nbsp;Haiti&nbsp;is struggling to emerge from a string of seemingly never-ending crises, which of late have resulted in a surge in kidnappings and gang violence.

At least 15 people, including a journalist and an opposition activist, were killed in Haiti in overnight violence suspected to be revenge attacks after the death of a police officer, officials said Wednesday.

At least 15 people, including a journalist and an opposition activist, were killed in Haiti in overnight violence suspected to be revenge attacks after the death of a police officer, officials said Wednesday. Photographs of reporter Diego Charles lying dead on the ground and of political activist Antoinette Duclair dead in her car circulated on Haitian social media. "In reaction to the assassination of Guerby Geffrard (the police officer killed), his allies concocted this morning's shootings which resulted in the death of 15 peaceful citizens," national police chief Leon Charles told a press conference. Charles said an investigation into the violence in the capital Port-au-Prince had been opened "to trace all the perpetrators and co-perpetrators of the crimes committed." Geffrard, the spokesperson for a police union that is in open conflict with the police force, was shot hours before the shooting spree in the same city district. Also Read | President Jinping hails 'irreversible' rise of China on Communist Party centenary Charles' statements sparked criticism from journalists and civil rights organizations, who doubt their truth. "To come out and simply say, 'We know the double murder of Diego Charles and Antoinette Duclair came from this union,' we think that is acting with great haste and above all great casualness," said Marie Rosy August Ducena of the National Network for the Defense of Human Rights, a non-governmental organization. Locals angered by the violence protested by dumping flaming tires in the road. The brother of a famous Haitian singer was also among the victims of the shooting. Prime Minister Claude Joseph's office released a statement expressing his condolences. "These horrible crimes and these reprehensible actions cannot go unpunished in a democratic society," Joseph said. Worsening violence Violence has been sharply on the rise in Haiti this year, with gunfights between rival groups prompting many residents of poor districts of the city to flee their homes. "We are in a situation where human rights are being denied and life is being trivialized... We cannot continue to count bodies every day," said Ducena. Journalists also expressed their concerns about the deaths. "We are dismayed by this murder, which lengthens the list of journalists killed in the past three years," said Jacques Desrosiers, head of the Haitian Journalists Association. "As they always do, judicial authorities will announce investigations that lead nowhere," said Desrosiers. "We are used to that." In 2000, Haiti's most prominent journalist, Jean Dominique, was murdered in a case that remains unsolved to this day. "There was no justice for Jean Dominique, as there will be none for Diego. We are left to fend for ourselves," said Assad Volcy, director of Gazette Haiti, an online news outlet for which Charles worked. More recently, photojournalist Vladjimir Legagneur went to the now gang-plagued Martissant neighbourhood of the capital on a reporting assignment in 2018 and was never heard from again. Police have still not published the results of DNA tests performed on a body found a few days after Legagneur vanished. Probes into the killing of two journalists in 2019 also yielded nothing. Thousands of residents of Martissant have become refugees in their own city, living in sports centres or temporary accommodation in private homes because of the gang violence. Undermined by insecurity and political instability, Haiti is struggling to emerge from a string of seemingly never-ending crises, which of late have resulted in a surge in kidnappings and gang violence.

15 killed in suspected revenge attacks in Haiti, says police

The Biden administration on Saturday extended special protections to Haitians living temporarily in the United States after being displaced by a devastating 2010 earthquake, reversing efforts by the previous administration to force them to leave the country.

The decision, announced by the secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, Alejandro Mayorkas, makes good on President Joe Biden’s campaign promise to restore a program that shields thousands of Haitian migrants from the threat of deportation under the restrictive policies put in place under President Donald Trump.

Mayorkas said the new 18-month designation, known as temporary protected status, would apply to Haitians already living in the United States as of Friday.

“Haiti is currently experiencing serious security concerns, social unrest, an increase in human rights abuses, crippling poverty, and lack of basic resources, which are exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic,” Mayorkas said in a statement Saturday.

The protections, created in a 1990 law, allow foreigners who have had to flee their homes because of natural disasters and conflict to work and live in the United States. The Obama administration granted the temporary protected status to Haitians living in the United States illegally after the 7.0-magnitude earthquake in January 2010.

Sen. Robert Menendez, D-N.J., chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said the new designation could protect as many as 150,000 Haitians from having to return to the political and security crisis in their home country.

“The last thing our country should be doing is forcing an entire community in the U.S. to decide between packing up their lives and tearing their families apart by self-deporting, or becoming undocumented and forced into the shadows of our society,” Menendez said in a statement Saturday.

As part of its hard-line efforts to curb legal and illegal immigration, the Trump administration sought to end protections for about 400,000 immigrants living in the United States, including Haitians.

Lawsuits blocked the cancellations, but in September a federal appeals court sided with the Trump administration, putting hundreds of thousands of immigrants on notice that they would have to leave the country or face deportation. The Trump administration agreed to keep the protections in place at least through early 2021, meaning a new administration could decide to continue the policy.

The Biden administration on Saturday extended special protections to Haitians living temporarily in the United States after being displaced by a devastating 2010 earthquake, reversing efforts by the previous administration to force them to leave the country.

The Biden administration on Saturday extended special protections to Haitians living temporarily in the United States after being displaced by a devastating 2010 earthquake, reversing efforts by the previous administration to force them to leave the country. The decision, announced by the secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, Alejandro Mayorkas, makes good on President Joe Biden’s campaign promise to restore a program that shields thousands of Haitian migrants from the threat of deportation under the restrictive policies put in place under President Donald Trump. Mayorkas said the new 18-month designation, known as temporary protected status, would apply to Haitians already living in the United States as of Friday. “Haiti is currently experiencing serious security concerns, social unrest, an increase in human rights abuses, crippling poverty, and lack of basic resources, which are exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic,” Mayorkas said in a statement Saturday. The protections, created in a 1990 law, allow foreigners who have had to flee their homes because of natural disasters and conflict to work and live in the United States. The Obama administration granted the temporary protected status to Haitians living in the United States illegally after the 7.0-magnitude earthquake in January 2010. Sen. Robert Menendez, D-N.J., chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said the new designation could protect as many as 150,000 Haitians from having to return to the political and security crisis in their home country. “The last thing our country should be doing is forcing an entire community in the U.S. to decide between packing up their lives and tearing their families apart by self-deporting, or becoming undocumented and forced into the shadows of our society,” Menendez said in a statement Saturday. As part of its hard-line efforts to curb legal and illegal immigration, the Trump administration sought to end protections for about 400,000 immigrants living in the United States, including Haitians. Lawsuits blocked the cancellations, but in September a federal appeals court sided with the Trump administration, putting hundreds of thousands of immigrants on notice that they would have to leave the country or face deportation. The Trump administration agreed to keep the protections in place at least through early 2021, meaning a new administration could decide to continue the policy.

US grants temporary protections to thousands of Haitians

Three&nbsp;of the&nbsp;seven&nbsp;Catholic&nbsp;clergy&nbsp;who were&nbsp;kidnapped&nbsp;in&nbsp;Haiti&nbsp;more than a week ago have been&nbsp;released, a Church spokesman told AFP on Thursday, as the island nation grapples with a rise in violence and ongoing political crisis.

A total of 10 people were abducted in Croix-des-Bouquets, a town northeast of the capital Port-au-Prince, on April 11, including the&nbsp;seven&nbsp;clergy&nbsp;-- five of them Haitian and two of them French.

Father Loudger Mazile, spokesman for the Bishop's Conference for the island nation, said "the French were not&nbsp;released. There were no lay people among those&nbsp;released."

"Three&nbsp;of the&nbsp;seven&nbsp;clergy&nbsp;kidnapped&nbsp;on April 11 were&nbsp;released," he told.

Haiti, the poorest country in the Americas, is plagued by insecurity and natural disaster.

Also read:<a href="India sends Covid vaccines to Caribbean, up next Mexico">&nbsp;India sends Covid vaccines to Caribbean, up next Mexico</a>

Kidnappings for ransom have surged in recent months in Port-au-Prince and other provinces, reflecting the growing influence of armed gangs in the Caribbean nation.

Haiti's government resigned and a new prime minister was appointed in the wake of the kidnappings, a move President Jovenel Moise said "will make it possible to address the glaring problem of insecurity and continue discussions with a view to reaching the consensus necessary for the political and institutional stability of our country."

The&nbsp;clergy&nbsp;abducted were a group of four priests and a nun from&nbsp;Haiti, as well as one&nbsp;priest&nbsp;and one nun from France. The&nbsp;three&nbsp;non-clergy&nbsp;were members of the family of a Haitian&nbsp;priest, who was not among those&nbsp;kidnapped.

The&nbsp;kidnapped&nbsp;victims&nbsp;were "on their way to the installation of a new parish&nbsp;priest" when they were abducted, Mazile previously told AFP, with the kidnappers demanding a $1 million ransom for the group.

Authorities suspect an armed gang called "400 Mawozo" -- which is active in kidnappings -- is behind the abduction, according to a police source.

Haiti's&nbsp;Catholic&nbsp;Church has slammed the government's failure to act over the country's unrest, decrying the nation's "descent into hell."

"The public authorities who are doing nothing to resolve this crisis are not immune from suspicion," the Archdiocese of Port-au-Prince said in a statement.

The abducted five priests belong to the Society of Priests of St James, which is based in France, their superior general, Paul Dossous, confirmed to AFP.

Paris, meanwhile has opened an investigation into the kidnappings, entrusting the case to France's Central Office for the Fight against Organized Crime (OCLCO), which has jurisdiction over crimes committed against French citizens abroad.

Three of the seven Catholic clergy who were kidnapped in Haiti more than a week ago have been released, a Church spokesman told AFP on Thursday, as the island nation grapples with a rise in violence and ongoing political crisis.

Three of the seven Catholic clergy who were kidnapped in Haiti more than a week ago have been released, a Church spokesman told AFP on Thursday, as the island nation grapples with a rise in violence and ongoing political crisis. A total of 10 people were abducted in Croix-des-Bouquets, a town northeast of the capital Port-au-Prince, on April 11, including the seven clergy -- five of them Haitian and two of them French. Father Loudger Mazile, spokesman for the Bishop's Conference for the island nation, said "the French were not released. There were no lay people among those released." "Three of the seven clergy kidnapped on April 11 were released," he told. Haiti, the poorest country in the Americas, is plagued by insecurity and natural disaster. Also read: India sends Covid vaccines to Caribbean, up next Mexico Kidnappings for ransom have surged in recent months in Port-au-Prince and other provinces, reflecting the growing influence of armed gangs in the Caribbean nation. Haiti's government resigned and a new prime minister was appointed in the wake of the kidnappings, a move President Jovenel Moise said "will make it possible to address the glaring problem of insecurity and continue discussions with a view to reaching the consensus necessary for the political and institutional stability of our country." The clergy abducted were a group of four priests and a nun from Haiti, as well as one priest and one nun from France. The three non-clergy were members of the family of a Haitian priest, who was not among those kidnapped. The kidnapped victims were "on their way to the installation of a new parish priest" when they were abducted, Mazile previously told AFP, with the kidnappers demanding a $1 million ransom for the group. Authorities suspect an armed gang called "400 Mawozo" -- which is active in kidnappings -- is behind the abduction, according to a police source. Haiti's Catholic Church has slammed the government's failure to act over the country's unrest, decrying the nation's "descent into hell." "The public authorities who are doing nothing to resolve this crisis are not immune from suspicion," the Archdiocese of Port-au-Prince said in a statement. The abducted five priests belong to the Society of Priests of St James, which is based in France, their superior general, Paul Dossous, confirmed to AFP. Paris, meanwhile has opened an investigation into the kidnappings, entrusting the case to France's Central Office for the Fight against Organized Crime (OCLCO), which has jurisdiction over crimes committed against French citizens abroad.

Three of seven Catholic clergy kidnapped in Haiti are released

With no COVID-19 vaccines to offer its 11 million people, the Caribbean nation of Haiti is struggling hard to contain the Coronavirus crisis. So far, Haiti was supposed to receive 756,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine through a United Nations program aimed at ensuring the neediest countries get COVID-19 shots.

Haiti awaits COVID-19 vaccines amid unrest

Masked heavily armed members of the 'Fantom 509' group stormed a police station in the Haitian capital and freed four police officers from behind bars.

Protesters stage jail break in Haitian capita

In one of the most violent prison breakouts in the history of Haiti, more than 400 prisoners have escaped from jail, with nearly 25 people pronounced dead.

"Twenty-five people died including six prisoners and Divisional Inspector Paul Hector Joseph who was in charge of the prison," said Secretary of Communication Frantz Exantus.

The violent prison breakout took place in a prison in the suburbs of the capital Port-au-Prince on Thursday.

Also read|&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/haiti-people-protest-on-streets-as-political-tension-rises-365402" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/haiti-people-protest-on-streets-as-political-tension-rises-365402&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjt3Ly2i4nvAhXm7HMBHX4VDXoQFjABegQIBxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1XVw2BUdno6NuToPo_5_6N" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/haiti-people-protest-on-streets-as-political-tension-rises-365402" target="_blank">Haiti: People protest on streets as political tension rises</a>

One of the prisoners who was declared dead during the post-prison break chase is an infamous gang leader, Arnel Joseph, who was gunned down by the police officers at a police checkpoint, nearly 120 kilometres north of the prison.

"Arnel Joseph was killed while attacking a police patrol which had stopped the motorcycle he was on. The police responded and Arnel Joseph is dead," Exantus reported.

Joesph was arrested in 2019 for allegedly being the head of one of Haiti's main criminal organisations which has one of the largest networks in the whole region.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/haiti-deadliest-prison-break-in-decades-366605">WATCH|</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/haiti-deadliest-prison-break-in-decades-366605/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

This is not the first time Joseph tried getting out of prison. After being arrested in 2019, he had tried to escape last July. However, he had advertised his plan to escape in a video message posted on social media, which had warned the officials.

Before this too, he had escaped from another jail in Port-au-Prince twice — in 2010 and 2017.

The Croix-des-Bouquets prison in question this time, was inaugurated in 2012 and is a high-security prison built with funding from Canada. The prison has a maximum capacity of 872 inmates, but the prison had nearly double the capacity.

This prison breakout has left nearly 25 people dead and "among those killed were some ordinary citizens who were killed by the prisoners during their escape," Exantus said.

As per pictures posted by AFP, dead bodies were seen lying outside the prison on Thursday, and prisoners can also be seen in the back of a truck with armed guards.

In one of the most violent prison breakouts in the history of Haiti, more than 400 prisoners have escaped from jail, with nearly 25 people pronounced dead. "Twenty-five people died including six prisoners and Divisional Inspector Paul Hector Joseph who was in charge of the prison," said Secretary of Communication Frantz Exantus.

In one of the most violent prison breakouts in the history of Haiti, more than 400 prisoners have escaped from jail, with nearly 25 people pronounced dead. "Twenty-five people died including six prisoners and Divisional Inspector Paul Hector Joseph who was in charge of the prison," said Secretary of Communication Frantz Exantus. The violent prison breakout took place in a prison in the suburbs of the capital Port-au-Prince on Thursday. Also read| Haiti: People protest on streets as political tension rises One of the prisoners who was declared dead during the post-prison break chase is an infamous gang leader, Arnel Joseph, who was gunned down by the police officers at a police checkpoint, nearly 120 kilometres north of the prison. "Arnel Joseph was killed while attacking a police patrol which had stopped the motorcycle he was on. The police responded and Arnel Joseph is dead," Exantus reported. Joesph was arrested in 2019 for allegedly being the head of one of Haiti's main criminal organisations which has one of the largest networks in the whole region. WATCH| This is not the first time Joseph tried getting out of prison. After being arrested in 2019, he had tried to escape last July. However, he had advertised his plan to escape in a video message posted on social media, which had warned the officials. Before this too, he had escaped from another jail in Port-au-Prince twice — in 2010 and 2017. The Croix-des-Bouquets prison in question this time, was inaugurated in 2012 and is a high-security prison built with funding from Canada. The prison has a maximum capacity of 872 inmates, but the prison had nearly double the capacity. This prison breakout has left nearly 25 people dead and "among those killed were some ordinary citizens who were killed by the prisoners during their escape," Exantus said. As per pictures posted by AFP, dead bodies were seen lying outside the prison on Thursday, and prisoners can also be seen in the back of a truck with armed guards.

More than 400 inmates flee Haiti prison; nearly 25 people dead

In one of the most violent prison breakouts in the history of Haiti, more than 400 prisoners have escaped from jail, with nearly 25 people pronounced dead.

Haiti: Deadliest prison break in decades

As constitutional crisis escalated in Haiti, people took to streets demanding President Jovnel Moise's term in office to end. Political turmoil in Haiti is due to dispute between Moise government and the opposition over when the president's term is supposed to end.

Protesters called Moise a dictator and alleged that he was being supported by th US, OAS (Organization of American States) and other international organisations such as the United Nations. Protesters appeared to vow to continue their street protests.

Haiti's opposition claims Moise should step down since his five-year term in office was completed on February 7 following 2015 elections, which were disputed and the result cancelled by the electoral council

Moise rejects those claims, arguing he took power in February 2017 after winning fresh elections in 2016 and has pledged to step down next year.

Washington recently appeared to back Moise's timeline, with a State Department spokesperson saying a new leader should replace Moise in February 2022.

Tensions flared recently after Moise alleged there was an attempt to overthrow the government and 23 people were arrested, including a Supreme Court judge and a senior police official.

The United States has said it was "deeply concerned" about Haiti's fragile institutions, although it stopped short of chastising Moise after his government retired three Supreme Court judges who posed a threat to his leadership.

(With Reuters inputs)

As constitutional crisis escalated in Haiti, people took to streets demanding President Jovnel Moise's term in office to end. Political turmoil in Haiti is due to dispute between Moise government and the opposition over when the president's term is supposed to end.

As constitutional crisis escalated in Haiti, people took to streets demanding President Jovnel Moise's term in office to end. Political turmoil in Haiti is due to dispute between Moise government and the opposition over when the president's term is supposed to end. Protesters called Moise a dictator and alleged that he was being supported by th US, OAS (Organization of American States) and other international organisations such as the United Nations. Protesters appeared to vow to continue their street protests. Haiti's opposition claims Moise should step down since his five-year term in office was completed on February 7 following 2015 elections, which were disputed and the result cancelled by the electoral council Moise rejects those claims, arguing he took power in February 2017 after winning fresh elections in 2016 and has pledged to step down next year. Washington recently appeared to back Moise's timeline, with a State Department spokesperson saying a new leader should replace Moise in February 2022. Tensions flared recently after Moise alleged there was an attempt to overthrow the government and 23 people were arrested, including a Supreme Court judge and a senior police official. The United States has said it was "deeply concerned" about Haiti's fragile institutions, although it stopped short of chastising Moise after his government retired three Supreme Court judges who posed a threat to his leadership. (With Reuters inputs)

Haiti: People protest on streets as political tension rises

In the latest clashes to mark the country's political crisis, Haitian police fired tear gas on hundreds of protesters, who were marching against President Jovenel Moise, in Port-au-Prince on Wednesday, and attacked journalists covering the demonstration. &nbsp;

The protesters accuse Moise of illegally extending his term in office. Moise says it lasts until February 2022 -- but the opposition argues it should have ended last weekend, in a standoff over disputed elections. &nbsp;

Police moved to violently clear the demonstration, and on several occasions were seen directly targeting clearly identified members of the press. &nbsp;

"Their job is to shoot the activists, throwing gas on all the press," said protester Senat Andre Dufot. &nbsp;&nbsp;

"We all noticed that they put a tear gas canister in the back of the pickup of the TV Pacific car," he said, referring to a Haitian media outlet vehicle, while clutching a copy of the country's constitution in his hand. &nbsp;&nbsp;

In a statement, the Association of Haitian Journalists then called on the Haitian National Police authorities to conduct an investigation to identify the perpetrators of these abuses so that they can be held accountable for their actions. &nbsp;

Officials loyal to Moise claimed on Sunday they had foiled an attempt to murder him and overthrow the government in a coup. Police arrested 23 people, including Haitian Supreme Court judge Yvickel Dieujuste Dabresil, accusing them of an 'attempted coup’. &nbsp;

And on Tuesday, Moise tried to force out three judges, including Dabresil, who were proposed as potential interim national leaders to replace him. &nbsp;

Dabresil was released on Wednesday from prison on the outskirts of the Haitian capital but remains under judicial supervision, according to his lawyers. However, human rights activist Marie-Yolene Gilles of the Je Klere Foundation later said the judge remained in prison. &nbsp;

"When there are opponents fighting, the best way to eliminate them was to accuse them of fomenting a coup," another protester, Ebens Cadet, said on Wednesday. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The decree appeared to be contrary to the constitution and Haitian law. &nbsp;

The United States had backed Moise's stance, and he appears to have retained control of the Caribbean island nation. &nbsp;

But in a statement on Twitter posted on Tuesday, the US embassy in Port-au-Prince said it was "deeply concerned about any actions that risk damaging Haiti's democratic institutions."

In the latest clashes to mark the country's political crisis, Haitian police fired tear gas on hundreds of protesters, who were marching against President Jovenel Moise, in Port-au-Prince on Wednesday, and attacked journalists covering the demonstration.

In the latest clashes to mark the country's political crisis, Haitian police fired tear gas on hundreds of protesters, who were marching against President Jovenel Moise, in Port-au-Prince on Wednesday, and attacked journalists covering the demonstration. The protesters accuse Moise of illegally extending his term in office. Moise says it lasts until February 2022 -- but the opposition argues it should have ended last weekend, in a standoff over disputed elections. Police moved to violently clear the demonstration, and on several occasions were seen directly targeting clearly identified members of the press. "Their job is to shoot the activists, throwing gas on all the press," said protester Senat Andre Dufot. "We all noticed that they put a tear gas canister in the back of the pickup of the TV Pacific car," he said, referring to a Haitian media outlet vehicle, while clutching a copy of the country's constitution in his hand. In a statement, the Association of Haitian Journalists then called on the Haitian National Police authorities to conduct an investigation to identify the perpetrators of these abuses so that they can be held accountable for their actions. Officials loyal to Moise claimed on Sunday they had foiled an attempt to murder him and overthrow the government in a coup. Police arrested 23 people, including Haitian Supreme Court judge Yvickel Dieujuste Dabresil, accusing them of an 'attempted coup’. And on Tuesday, Moise tried to force out three judges, including Dabresil, who were proposed as potential interim national leaders to replace him. Dabresil was released on Wednesday from prison on the outskirts of the Haitian capital but remains under judicial supervision, according to his lawyers. However, human rights activist Marie-Yolene Gilles of the Je Klere Foundation later said the judge remained in prison. "When there are opponents fighting, the best way to eliminate them was to accuse them of fomenting a coup," another protester, Ebens Cadet, said on Wednesday. The decree appeared to be contrary to the constitution and Haitian law. The United States had backed Moise's stance, and he appears to have retained control of the Caribbean island nation. But in a statement on Twitter posted on Tuesday, the US embassy in Port-au-Prince said it was "deeply concerned about any actions that risk damaging Haiti's democratic institutions."

Cops shoot tear gas on protesters in Haiti

Clashes mark Haiti's political crisis. The Haitian police reportedly fired tear gas at hundreds of protesters who were marching against President Jovenel Moise.

Haiti: Demonstrations against President Moise, Police attack journalists covering march

Political Crisis has gripped Haiti, as the country's president Jovenel Moise alleges the coup attempt amid the anti-government protests rocking the country.

Haiti President Moise alleges coup attempt amid anti-govt protests

Hundreds of protesters marched through the streets of Haiti's capital Thursday to demand answers after the kidnapping and killing of a young woman.

High school senior Evelyne Sincere was found in a trash heap Sunday after relatives said they were unable to pay the large ransom demanded by her captors. Human rights groups contend the incident highlights the nation's worsening security crisis.

Haiti has been rocked by street protests demanding President Jovenel Moise's ouster on allegations that he mismanaged the economy and failed to hold accountable those who siphoned billions in international aid into bank accounts overseas.&nbsp;

The nation is also grappling with growing concern over Moise's decision to delay legislative elections and instead insist first on a constitutional referendum. 
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Hundreds of protesters marched through the streets of Haiti's capital Thursday to demand answers after the kidnapping and killing of a young woman. High school senior Evelyne Sincere was found in a trash heap Sunday after relatives said they were unable to pay the large ransom demanded by her captors.

Hundreds of protesters marched through the streets of Haiti's capital Thursday to demand answers after the kidnapping and killing of a young woman. High school senior Evelyne Sincere was found in a trash heap Sunday after relatives said they were unable to pay the large ransom demanded by her captors. Human rights groups contend the incident highlights the nation's worsening security crisis. Haiti has been rocked by street protests demanding President Jovenel Moise's ouster on allegations that he mismanaged the economy and failed to hold accountable those who siphoned billions in international aid into bank accounts overseas. The nation is also grappling with growing concern over Moise's decision to delay legislative elections and instead insist first on a constitutional referendum.

Hundreds march in Haiti after outrage over student's slaying

The US National Hurricane Center said that Tropical Storm Marco had strengthened and will hit Louisiana on Monday as two powerful storms threaten the Gulf Coast.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/storm-laura-hits-haiti-with-marco-forecast-to-slam-us-as-hurricane-322608">Also Read:&nbsp;Storm Laura hits Haiti, with Marco forecast to slam US as hurricane</a>

"Data from an Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter aircraft indicate that Marco has strengthened into a hurricane with maximum winds of 75 mph (120 km/h) with higher gusts," the Hurricane Center said.

Eight people were killed as Tropical Storm Laura struck Haiti and the Dominican Republic. The storm brought in heavy rain and is predicted to hit the US coastal region on Wednesday.

The storm has reportedly left a million Dominicans without power, flooding&nbsp;homes as it hit villages.

As a result, energy companies have suspended oil and natural gas production in the Gulf Coast as the US National Hurricane Center said Storm Laura was "bringing torrential rainfall and life-threatening flooding" to Haiti.

The two hurricanes are expected to hit the US Gulf Coast almost simultaneously which is an unexpected phenomenon since records began 150 years ago.&nbsp;

The US National Hurricane Center said that Tropical Storm Marco had strengthened and will hit Louisiana on Monday as two powerful storms threaten the Gulf Coast.

The US National Hurricane Center said that Tropical Storm Marco had strengthened and will hit Louisiana on Monday as two powerful storms threaten the Gulf Coast. Also Read: Storm Laura hits Haiti, with Marco forecast to slam US as hurricane "Data from an Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter aircraft indicate that Marco has strengthened into a hurricane with maximum winds of 75 mph (120 km/h) with higher gusts," the Hurricane Center said. Eight people were killed as Tropical Storm Laura struck Haiti and the Dominican Republic. The storm brought in heavy rain and is predicted to hit the US coastal region on Wednesday. The storm has reportedly left a million Dominicans without power, flooding homes as it hit villages. As a result, energy companies have suspended oil and natural gas production in the Gulf Coast as the US National Hurricane Center said Storm Laura was "bringing torrential rainfall and life-threatening flooding" to Haiti. The two hurricanes are expected to hit the US Gulf Coast almost simultaneously which is an unexpected phenomenon since records began 150 years ago.

8 dead as Storm Laura hits Haiti; Storm Marco set to hit Louisiana

Heavy rain, floods: Dominican Republic and Haiti affected as twin storms threaten US

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