Haiti: Marking 3 years since the assassination of President Moïse

Haiti observed the third anniversary of President Jovenel Moïse’s assassination with Edgard Leblanc Fils, head of the Presidential Transitional Council (CPT), condemning the July 7 event as “a barbaric act carried out by a group of Haitian and foreign mercenaries.”

Moïse, 53, was fatally shot at his private residence overlooking the capital on July 7, 2021. His wife, Martine Marie Étienne Moïse, was also injured and required medical treatment in the United States.

While several former Colombian soldiers have been arrested in connection with the murder, they have not yet been charged. Meanwhile, U.S. authorities have filed charges against several Haitian nationals.

During a ceremony of reflection and meditation on Sunday, attended by Prime Minister Garry Conille, government members, senior officials of the Armed Forces of Haiti (FAd’H), and National Police of Haiti (PNH) director general Rameau Normil, Leblanc Fils expressed his sorrow. “I humbly bow with deep sadness and anguish before the memory of the late President Jovenel Moïse, assassinated on the night of July 6 to 7, 2021, in his private residence at Pèlerin 5 in the commune of Pétion-Ville,” he said.

On this somber occasion, Leblanc Fils emphasized the need for justice. “On the third anniversary of this barbaric act carried out by a commando of Haitian and foreign mercenaries, we are gathered to reflect on the consequences of this tragic assassination,” he stated. “If the late President Moïse and his family do not obtain justice, what other ordinary citizen, minister, prime minister, or even president of the republic will be safe from such a threat? Truly, no one.”

He urged the CPT and Prime Minister Conille’s administration to ensure justice is served. “All necessary means must be granted to the judge in charge of the case and to the Government Commissioner so that the case is independently pursued and concluded in accordance with the procedures and the law.”

Leblanc Fils reiterated his commitment to seeking justice for Moïse. “I bow once more to the memory of Moïse, who died in atrocious conditions that remain unclear, and I am dedicated to advancing the case for his assassination’s trial so that justice prevails and the Haitian nation is freed from this ignoble burden it bears undeservedly.”

He also extended his condolences to Moïse’s family. “I salute the members of the president’s family who were unable to pay homage to him this year at his mausoleum. May they find peace within themselves and among themselves, in harmony and reconciliation, for the eternal rest of the soul of the deceased,” the CPT head concluded.