Haiti in crisis
A HIGH-profile Haitian politician has been assassinated in an apparent gang attack, according to local media reports.
Eric-Jean Baptise, the head of the Rally of Progressive National Democrats (RDNP) political party, was ambushed at his home in Port-au-Prince on Friday.
His car was shot multiple times.
Haitian police say no one has been arrested.
The killing comes as Haiti continues to be plunged into economic and social unrest, as armed gangs demand that Prime Minister Ariel Henry reign.
The Haitian PM has strongly condemned the killing.
In a statement released on social media, Mr Henry said: “The horrific assassination of the political leader, Eric Jean Baptiste and his bodyguard, has once again plunged the Haitian nation into turmoil. We strongly condemn this heinous crime against this patriot; this moderate politician committed to change.
“We present, on behalf of the government and the people of Haiti, our sincere condolences to the families of the victims, to the #RDNP and the political class, today revolted by this heinous crime.”
Mr Baptise last launched a presidential bid in 2016.
He also owned owned one of the biggest lottery companies in Haiti, “Pere Eternel.”
The economic, social and political stability in Haiti has deteriorated rapidly since the assassination of former President Jovenel Moise last July.
Earlier this month, the United Nations warned that a catastrophic hunger level is being detected in Haiti for the first time.
Almost 100,000 children under the age of five who are already suffering from severe acute malnutrition -also known as severe wasting – are especially vulnerable to the ongoing cholera outbreak affecting Haiti, UNICEF has warned.
Violence and unrest continue to plague the capital as armed groups seek to take control of the Caribbean country.
Many citizens have lost access to clean water, jobs, food and health services.
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