Five Years After Jovenel Moïse’s Assassination, Investigation Still Faces Major Challenges

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti — Five years after the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse, many Haitians continue to question when the full truth surrounding one of the country’s most significant political crimes will finally be established.

Although several suspects have been prosecuted in the United States, the domestic investigation in Haiti has moved forward slowly, leaving many unanswered questions about the planning, financing, and execution of the July 7, 2021 attack.

Supporters of the late president gathered this week to renew their calls for justice, arguing that everyone involved in organizing or facilitating the assassination should be identified and held accountable. They maintain that determining the full chain of responsibility remains essential for both the Moïse family and the Haitian public.

Among those speaking publicly was former government official Joiséus Nader, who said he believes the investigation should continue until every individual connected to the plot has been identified. He also expressed concern that the Haitian judicial process has struggled to make significant progress compared with proceedings taking place in the United States.

The U.S. investigation has resulted in convictions of several individuals involved in the conspiracy, developments that some observers view as an important step toward accountability. At the same time, many Haitians continue to look to their own justice system for answers regarding individuals who may have played roles inside the country.

Questions also remain about the security failures that allowed armed attackers to enter the presidential residence without significant resistance. Analysts have repeatedly pointed to the need for a complete understanding of the circumstances surrounding the attack in order to strengthen public confidence in Haiti’s institutions.

The assassination of President Moïse marked a turning point in Haiti’s modern political history, contributing to a prolonged period of institutional uncertainty and worsening security conditions. Since then, the country has faced escalating gang violence, repeated humanitarian crises, and delays in restoring elected leadership.

As another anniversary passes, supporters say justice is not only about punishing those responsible but also about reinforcing the rule of law and demonstrating that political violence cannot occur without consequences.

For many families and observers, the investigation remains unfinished. They continue to hope that ongoing judicial efforts—both in Haiti and abroad—will eventually provide a complete account of the events that led to the assassination and deliver accountability for everyone involved.