Haiti: Colombia Ex-Soldier Pleads Guilty in Plotting Jovenel Moise's Assassination

A Colombia ex-soldier has entered a guilty plea in a US court for his involvement in a conspiracy to assassinate Haiti President Jovenel Moise, Reuters reports.

Moise was tragically shot dead in his bedroom two years ago, an audacious assassination that left a void in leadership and contributed to destabilization in the country.

According to the court documents, German Rivera, also known as Colonel Mike, was a part of the convoy that advanced toward President Moise's residence in the hillside of Port-au-Prince on July 7, 2021.

Notably, Rivera had conveyed crucial information that the group's intent was not merely to abduct Moise but to carry out his assassination.

Furthermore, the court documents reveal that Rivera had provided material support, training, and personnel to facilitate the kidnapping or murder of President Moise.

The charges against him include three counts related to materially supporting the conspiracy.

In the aftermath of President Moise's tragic death, armed gangs have significantly expanded their influence across Haiti, particularly amid escalating turf battles centered around the capital.

This dire situation has given rise to a severe humanitarian crisis, with approximately 200,000 people estimated to be internally displaced, according to the United Nations.

The nation grapples with rampant violence, including frequent shootings, ransom kidnappings, and sexual violence, underscoring Haiti's challenging and tumultuous environment in the wake of this shocking assassination.

Eighteen Colombians Jailed in Haiti Over Jovenel Moise Assassination

In a significant turn of events, eighteen Colombian individuals have been incarcerated in Haiti in connection with the assassination of Haiti President Jovenel Moise.

Additionally, several Haitians, including members of Moise's security detail, have been apprehended in relation to the case, according to Financial Times.

However, progress in the investigations conducted within Haiti has been notably slower than the efforts led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in the United States.

German Rivera, who appeared in court wearing beige overalls and glasses, entered a guilty plea to three counts directly related to the murder of President Moise.

Each of these counts carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. A fourth charge of conspiring against the United States was dropped as part of a cooperation agreement.

This plea deal represents a significant breakthrough for prosecutors who have been meticulously examining the details of this murder, which, even two years later, remains shrouded in mystery.

Rivera's potential role as a witness could prove invaluable in future trials involving additional defendants.

Eleven individuals from Florida, Haiti, and Colombia have been charged as part of the FBI-led investigation.

Colombia Ex-Soldier Is Second to Plead Guilty to Assassination Plot

The guilty plea entered by German Rivera is notable, following the prior plea from Rodolphe Jaar, a Haitian-Chilean citizen, who, in June, received a life sentence, XM noted.

Jaar admitted to providing funds for procuring weapons and bribing President Jovenel Moise's security detail.

German Rivera's upcoming sentencing hearing is scheduled for October 27 in Miami. As of now, there has been no immediate comment from Mark LeVine, the attorney representing Rivera.

Haiti currently grapples with deepening political, security, and economic crises, exacerbated by the absence of elected officials in positions of authority.

Acting Prime Minister Ariel Henry confronts the formidable challenge of containing violent gangs that significantly threaten the nation's stability.

The United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti recently issued a statement highlighting the considerable deterioration of the humanitarian situation in the country in 2023.

Prime Minister Ariel Henry, supported by the United States, the United Nations, and certain Caribbean nations, has called for an international intervention to address the security crisis.

However, many nations remain cautious about leading such an operation in Haiti, given the challenges and setbacks experienced in previous interventions.

A delegation from Kenya engaged in discussions with Haitian officials last month as Kenya considers the possibility of leading a multinational force.

This operation has not materialized, leaving Haiti in a precarious state of uncertainty as it navigates through a complex and multifaceted crisis.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

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