Moïse supporters mourn death in Port-au-Prince

Supporters of slain Haiti President Jovenel Moïse arrived at the gates of the presidential palace on Wednesday to lay flowers in his honor.

A photo of Moïse was placed near the fence as several dozen people placed large bouquets of colorful flowers alongside as they sang a popular Haitian funeral song.

Moïse was murdered in the middle of the night in his residence one week ago and his wife was critically wounded.

Investigations still continue as to who ordered the assassination and who carried out the shooting itself.

A total of 26 Colombians are suspected in the killing of the president. Eighteen of them have been arrested, along with three Haitians.

Five of the suspects are still at large, and at least three have been killed.

Moise's last months in office were difficult ones. He was ruling by decree after having disbanded Congress over a year ago.

Economic woes, the lack of response against COVID-19 and insecurity brought much discontent among his detractors who called for him to step down, but Moise refused.

Violence in the streets grew worse as the months dragged on.

Powerful gangs now rule over entire sections of the capital Port-au-Prince, terrorizing the citizenry with kidnappings, rape, extortion, and killings in the streets in broad daylight. All done with virtual impunity as police are ill equipped to provide law and order.

In the morning hours of Wednesday, protesters closed a main thoroughfare in the capital with burning tires demanding better security and to draw attention to a kidnapping that occurred the night before.

Interim Prime Minister Claude Joseph has requested troops from the United States and the United Nations to come help regain control and to protect major installations.

Both the U.S. and the U.N have said they are analyzing the request.

IMAGE: AP