After taking office as president in 2017,Jovenel Moise, a banana exporter-turned-politician, faced fierce protests over corruption allegations and his management of the economy. He told Reuters in an interview Haitian authorities would welcome US security assistance in the wake of the assassination. Joseph said police and army had the situation under control although Haiti's security forces are widely deemed to be understaffed and under-equipped compared to its powerful gangs. "This crime is an attack against the democratic order of Haiti and the region," Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader said. The United States is assessing the "tragic attack," White House press secretary Jen Psaki said in Washington.

Source: Otago Daily Times July 07, 2021 23:15 UTC