Haiti's President Jovenel Moïse has announced that an attempt to assassinate him and overthrow the government has been thwarted. At least 23 individuals have been arrested, including a high-ranking judge and a senior police officer, according to the authorities.
The political turmoil centres on a dispute over the president's term in office. Mr Moïse insists his mandate ends in February 2022, but opponents argue it concluded this past Sunday. Protests erupted in Port-au-Prince and other towns, with demonstrators clashing with police who responded with tear gas.
Security officials confirmed an “attempted coup d’état” and reported seizing cash and weapons, including assault rifles, machine guns, and machetes. “I thank my head of security at the palace. The goal of these people was to make an attempt on my life,” Mr Moïse said. “That plan was aborted.”
The crisis stems from differing interpretations of the constitution. After legislative elections were suspended in 2019, Mr Moïse has governed by decree for two years. The BBC notes that even if he avoids being ousted, further protests are likely.
Haiti remains the poorest country in Latin America, with about 60 per cent of the population living below the poverty line. A group of US senators has urged the Biden administration to withdraw support for President Moïse.
