Thread by @washingtonpost

Haitian President Jovenel Moïse assassinated overnight in his home by a group of gunmen, says acting prime minister washingtonpost.com/world/2021/07/…

Some of the assailants spoke Spanish, interim prime minister Claude Joseph said, raising speculation about whether foreign mercenaries were involved. Haiti is mostly French and Creole speaking. wapo.st/3xobkun

The assassination of President Jovenel Moïse comes amid months of escalating political instability and violence in Haiti.

Moïse, 53, dissolved parliament in January 2020 and had ruled by decree ever since as opponents demanded that he step down. wapo.st/2UoDRBn

Moïse was elected to a five-year term in 2016, but a dispute over election results delayed his term by a year. He insisted the delay entitled him to an additional year in power. His opponents disagreed.

Moïse called it a coup attempt and 23 were arrested. wapo.st/2UoDRBn

There are still many unknowns about what the attack will mean for Haiti.

One pressing question is who will lead next: Interim prime minister Claude Joseph was supposed to step down on Monday, with Ariel Henry to be appointed as the new prime minister. wapo.st/3xobkun

Haiti has also struggled to roll out its coronavirus vaccination program. So far, it is one of only a handful of countries to have yet to administer any vaccine doses.

Moïse’s assassination also raised fears that street and gang violence could escalate. wapo.st/3xobkun

The assassination of embattled president Jovenel Moïse plunged Haiti into political turmoil Wednesday, marking another chapter of uncertainty for a country all too familiar with such violence. washingtonpost.com/world/interact…