Shots rang, and Haitian police fired tear gas as late President Jovenel Moïse‘s funeral began in his hometown of Cap Haitien on Friday.
What We Know:
- Disruptions began as Haiti National Police Chief Léon Charles arrived; people in the crowd called him an assassin and questioned his whereabouts during Moïse’s death. Although the Haitian president held multiple security teams comprised of specialized Haitian national police officers at his residence, over twenty people entered his home, murdered him, and injured his wife.
- While demonstrations occurred outside the Moïse residence, the funeral proceeded inside. Four military guards kept watching over his Moïse’s coffin as authorities calmed crowds with tear gas.
- The event officially began when Haiti’s former First Lady, Martine Moïse, entered. As she walked towards the stage, citizens shouted statements such as Mare yo,” “Boule yo,” and “Yo touye Jovenel, Nap vote Martine” — “Tie them up,” “Burn them,” and “They killed Jovenel, we are voting Martine.”
- Throughout all this, Martine remained stoic and praised her husband alongside her son Joverlein. Martine described him as a progressive leader whose people were killed because of ” the battle he was waging on behalf of the poor.” In addition, Martine said the traitors and the oligarchs betrayed her husband.
- Due to the sudden unrest, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield and her team left the funeral early. UN’s special representative, Helen La Lime, also left because of the event. Despite this, Thomas-Greenfield met with Haitian leaders, such as new Prime Minister Ariel Henry and predecessor Claude Joseph, prior to leaving.
- Additionally, U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan released a statement that declared the United States would continue providing assistance to the Haitian National Police and its government. The Department of Justice and Homeland Security will also keep helping authorities investigate Moïse’s assassination. Further, Sullivan stated the departments would remain working closely with international partners to help Haiti obtain justice.
This information provides an update to a declaration made by President Joe Biden. Last week, Biden announced he would only send Marines to secure the U.S. Embassy in Haiti but would not provide military assistance to the country.
