Haiti: Former Officials Summoned as Moïse Assassination Probe Gains New Momentum

More than three years after the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse inside his private residence in Pèlerin 5, the investigation appears to be entering a new phase. The Court of Appeal in Port-au-Prince has issued formal summonses to several high-profile former officials, including Martine Moïse, the late president’s widow; Claude Joseph, former Prime Minister; and Léon Charles, former Director General of the Haitian National Police.

These individuals are expected to appear before the court as part of hearings focused on their possible roles—whether direct or indirect—in the events of July 7, 2021. The move comes amid a long-stalled judicial process, plagued by a revolving door of investigative judges, threats against magistrates, political interference, and persistent legal irregularities.

In some quarters, the court’s decision is being hailed as a rare sign of life from Haiti’s embattled judiciary, which has often been criticized for its paralysis. Civil society groups have welcomed the development as a “courageous step” toward uncovering the truth, while urging that the renewed momentum not be reduced to mere political theater.

However, the timing of these summonses has raised eyebrows. Haiti remains mired in a deep political transition, with widespread distrust in public institutions. Critics argue that the sudden revival of the Moïse case could be a strategic distraction—an attempt by political actors to shift attention away from ongoing crises, including rampant insecurity, failed reforms, and growing rifts within the transitional Presidential Council.

As the public watches closely, the coming days will reveal whether this renewed judicial effort marks a genuine pursuit of justice—or yet another episode in a saga marked by opacity and manipulation.