-Naadiya Adams

In an unexpected attack at his home on Wednesday morning, President Jovonel Moïse was gunned down by unknown assailants believed to be Spanish-speaking the Haiti government has confirmed.

In a statement on Twitter, Haitian Prime Minister Claude Joseph confirmed the attack happened around 1am on Wednesday.

The first lady is also believed to have been injured in the attack.

Moïse was serving as President of the poorest country in the Americas, by decree, after the 2018 legislative elections were delayed due to political disputes including when Moise’s term would come to an end.

Amidst the political chaos, kidnappings for ransom have also been on the rise recently which shows the deepening trench of armed gangs in the Caribbean nation who suffers from chronic poverty and is located in an area prone to natural disasters.

Having gone through at least 7 Prime Ministers during his four-year tenure Moise has seen his rule opposed by much of the Haitian population, who deemed his presidency illegitimate.

La résidence du président de la République, Jovenel Moïse attaquée vers 1h du matin ce mercredi, il est blessé mortellement, selon le pm ai @claudejoseph03.Blessée par balle, la Première Dame prend les soins que nécessite son cas. pic.twitter.com/BuHKv5cFwf

— Marie Samuelle Charles (@SamuelleCharles) July 7, 2021