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Jovenel Moïse

Jovenel Moïse was a Haitian politician and businessman who served as president of Haiti from 2017 until his assassination in July 2021.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Jovenel Moïse was a Haitian politician and businessman who served as president of Haiti from 2017 until his assassination in July 2021. His killing in his home in Pétion-Ville triggered a major criminal investigation in Haiti and the United States.

Early life and career

Jovenel Moïse was born in Trou-du-Nord in 1968. Before entering politics, he was known as a businessman, and he later became involved in Haiti’s political life.

Presidency

Moïse became president of Haiti in February 2017 after winning the 2016 election. His presidency was marked by political crisis, contested legitimacy, and worsening instability.

Assassination

Moïse was killed in the early hours of 7 July 2021 when armed men attacked his home in Pétion-Ville. The attack also seriously injured his wife and led to a wide-ranging investigation.

Aftermath and investigations

Multiple suspects were arrested or killed in the days after the attack, and later cases in Haiti and the United States examined the alleged conspiracy. Public reporting has continued to debate the roles of alleged gunmen, organisers, and possible political figures.

Key facts

  • Moïse was elected president in Haiti’s 2016 election and took office in February 2017.
  • He was assassinated on 7 July 2021 at his private residence in Pétion-Ville, near Port-au-Prince.
  • Reports say he was shot multiple times during an armed attack by unidentified assailants.
  • His wife, Martine Moïse, survived the attack with serious injuries.
  • Authorities initially described many of the alleged attackers as foreign mercenaries, including Colombian nationals.
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Canadian context

Canadian readers may encounter this topic through Haiti’s political crisis, Canadian diplomatic coverage, and regional security and migration issues affecting the Caribbean and Quebec’s Haitian diaspora.

Frequently asked questions

Who assassinated Jovenel Moïse?
The full chain of responsibility has not been definitively settled. Authorities and prosecutors have identified multiple suspects, including foreign mercenaries and other alleged conspirators, but public reporting has continued to dispute who ordered the killing.
How did Jovenel Moïse die?
He was shot to death during an armed attack on his private residence in Pétion-Ville, near Port-au-Prince, on 7 July 2021.
Who is Jovenel Moïse's wife?
His wife was Martine Moïse, Haiti’s first lady at the time of the attack. She survived the assassination attempt with serious injuries.
Who succeeded Jovenel Moïse?
After his death, Ariel Henry became Haiti’s prime minister and served as the central figure in the transitional government. Haiti did not immediately install a directly elected new president.
What was Jovenel Moïse's background?
He was a Haitian politician and businessman from Trou-du-Nord. Before becoming president, he was involved in business and later entered national politics with the PHTK.
Jovenel Moïse assassination details
The assassination occurred around 1:00 a.m. on 7 July 2021 at his home in Pétion-Ville. Reports described an armed group entering the residence, killing Moïse, and seriously wounding Martine Moïse.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jovenel_Mo%C3%AFse
    Supports: Birthplace, dates, office held, spouse, party, and overview of presidency and assassination
  2. CNN en Español — https://cnnespanol.cnn.com/2023/12/19/exsenador-haitiano-condenado-cadena-perpetua-asesinato-jovenel-moise-trax
    Supports: Assassination location, time, and later U.S. prosecution context
  3. BBC Mundo — https://www.bbc.com/mundo/noticias-america-latina-57750239
    Supports: Attack on residence, death, injuries to Martine Moïse, and initial police account
  4. The New York Times en Español — https://www.nytimes.com/es/2026/05/08/espanol/america-latina/culpables-asesinato-presidente-haiti.html
    Supports: Later U.S. jury verdicts in connection with the assassination case
  5. BBC Mundo — https://www.bbc.com/mundo/articles/cw9e09nv9wpo
    Supports: Martine Moïse identity and reporting on allegations related to the case
  6. BBC Mundo — https://www.bbc.com/mundo/noticias-america-latina-60011353
    Supports: Reporting on a former Haitian senator arrested in connection with the assassination