UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Wednesday, July 7 condemned assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moïse in the strongest terms, according to a statement issued by his Spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric.

The UN chief condemned the ‘abhorrent’ assassination of the Haitian President and noted that perpetrators behind the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moïse must be brought to justice.

President Moïse, 53, was killed in an attack on his private residence, according to a statement by interim Prime Minister Claude Joseph.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has condemned the incident in the strongest terms.

"The Secretary-General calls on all Haitians to preserve the constitutional order, remain united in the face of this abhorrent act and reject all violence”, a  statement issued by Guterres' Spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, said.

Moïse was elected in November 2016 and began serving the following February.  

Guterres extended his deepest condolences to the people and Government of Haiti, and to the family of the late President.

The UN will continue to stand with the Government and the people of Haiti, the statement continued.

According to the UN, Haiti is the poorest country in the Americas, and has experienced serious political, economic and humanitarian challenges in recent years.  

Six prime ministers have been appointed since the late President took office, with a seventh appointed this week who has yet to be sworn in.

Last month, the top UN official in Haiti, Helen La Lime, briefed the Security Council on the worsening socioeconomic conditions in the country, rising gang violence, resurgence of COVID-19, and the "ever-growing polarization of Haitian politics”.

She said despite several Haitian-led mediation efforts, "the deep-rooted political crisis which has gripped the country for the better part of the last four years, shows no sign of abating”, while the rhetoric used by some political leaders was growing increasingly acrimonious.

Speaking at the outset of its meeting on Wednesday, Security Council President Ambassador Nicolas de Rivière of France said members were saddened by the death of the Haitian leader.

"The members of the Council express their deep shock at the assassination of President Moïse, which occurred earlier today in Port-au-Prince, and their concern at the fate of the First Lady, Martine Moïse, who was also shot in the attack,” he said.

The 15 ambassadors also expressed their deep sympathy to the family of the late President, and to the Government and people of Haiti.