World leaders denounced on Wednesday the killing of Haitian President Jovenel Moise in an attack that left First Lady Martine Moise injured.
Interim Haitian Prime Minister Claude Joseph said a group of unidentified men attacked the private residence of Moise in Port-au-Prince and assassinated him early Wednesday.
US President Joe Biden said in a statement that he was "shocked and saddened to hear of the horrific assassination," and condemned the "heinous act" and wished a recovery to the first lady.
President of Haiti Jovenel Moise killed during attack on his residence in Port-au-Prince, interim PM Claude Joseph says https://t.co/of7MLBKVZI
— BBC Breaking News (@BBCBreaking) July 7, 2021
"The United States offers condolences to the people of Haiti, and we stand ready to assist as we continue to work for a safe and secure Haiti," said Biden.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned "in the strongest terms" the assassination and called for justice.
"The perpetrators of this crime must be brought to justice," Guterres spokesman Stephane Dujarric said in a statement.
The UN chief urged Haitians to preserve the constitutional order, remain united in the face of the abhorrent act and reject all violence.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian also strongly condemned the "cowardly assassination.”
"Full light must be shed on this crime, which comes amidst a very much deteriorated political and security climate," he said and urged Haiti’s political circle "to show calm and restraint."
An official says Haitian President Jovenel Moïse has been assassinated after a group of unidentified people attacked his private residence. Moïse’s wife, First Lady Martine Moïse, is hospitalized, interim Premier Claude Joseph said. https://t.co/JXK0M4oiaZ
— The Associated Press (@AP) July 7, 2021
Le Drian appealed to French nationals to exercise utmost caution in the current situation, in light of recent turmoil.
In April two French Catholic clerics were kidnapped for 10 days.
This article has been adapted from its original source.
