Official mourning begins as nation awaits new leader

PORTAUPRINCE, Haiti — While they await a new leader, Haitians are beginning a series of official ceremonies Tuesday to honor President Jovenel Moise nearly two weeks after he was assassinated at home.

The ceremonies come as designated Prime Minister Ariel Henry prepared to replace interim Prime Minister Claude

Joseph, who assumed leadership of Haiti with the backing of police and the military after the July 7 attack at Moise’s private home. Moise was shot multiple times and his wife was seriously wounded.

Henry is scheduled to be sworn in on Tuesday afternoon after promising to form a provisional consensus government to lead Haiti until elections are held.

“We will need this unity to overcome the many challenges that beset us,” Henry said. “Some have observed the latest events with amazement, others wonder with reason about the management of the country.”

The government released the names of Henry’s cabinet, with the ministers of justice, economy, finance, agriculture and others keeping their positions.

Haiti elections minister

Mathias Pierre told The Associated Press on Monday that Joseph would step down and cede the position to Henry, who was chosen for the post by Moise shortly before he was killed but had not been sworn in.

The change in leadership comes after a group of key international diplomats called on Henry to create a “consensual and inclusive government” in a statement issued Saturday that made no reference to Joseph. The Core Group is composed of ambassadors from Germany, Brazil, Canada, Spain, the U.S., France and the European Union as well as representatives from the United Nations and the Organization of American States.