Former Haitian Presidential Candidate Eric Jean Baptiste Assassinated

PORT AU PRINCE, Haiti – Haiti’s Prime Minister Ariel Henry has expressed outrage following the assassination of former presidential candidate Eric Jean Baptiste on Friday .

Baptiste, who was also the leader of a political party – the  Rally of Progressive National Democrats, in this French speaking Caribbean Community (CARICOM) member state, was killed in the community of Laboule in the capital of Port-au-Prince along with his bodyguard. 

Baptiste also owned one of the biggest lottery companies in Haiti, “Pere Eternel.” 

So far, there have been no arrests. 

The assassination of Baptiste and his bodyguard has again plunged the nation into turmoil. 

“We strongly condemn this heinous crime against this patriot, this moderate politician committed to change,” said Prime Minister Ariel Henry in a message posted to social media.  .

The killing occurred in an area where the Ti Makak gang, which means “Little Macaques,” is fighting with the Toto gang for control of territory. 

The community is located near Pelerin, where President Jovenel Moïse was assassinated in his private residence in July 2021.