Haiti's President Denounces Plot To Oust Him, Says Over 20 Arrested

Haiti's President Jovenel Moïse announced Sunday that authorities apprehended more than 20 people accused of trying to kill him as opposition leaders demanded that he steps down.

"There was an attempt on my life," Moïse said as he spoke about the threat to his life at Haiti's airport in Port-au-Prince.

Al Jazeera further noted that Justice Minister Rockefeller Vincent said an "attempted coup d'etat" took place in Haiti on Sunday.

The arrests included people whom Moïse claimed were part of a coup plot to overthrow his government. A Haiti Supreme Court judge who the country's opposition leaders supported was included in the arrests, The Associated Press reported.

Jovenel Moïse was flanked by the country's prime minister, justice minister, and the police chief at the airport as he prepared to leave for the yearly carnival in the coastal town of Jacmel.

Moïse thanked his head of security at the National Palace and said, "the goal of these people was to make an attempt on my life," and "that plan was aborted."

Coup Plot Started in November, Says Jovenel Moïse

Jovenel Moïse said the alleged plot started months ago, on November 20. But other than some people were arrested, details about it were scarce.

During the news conference, Prime Minister Joseph Jouthe said a senior police official, specifically an inspector general, was also among the 23 people arrested, Reuters reported.

"These people had contacted national palace security officials, high-ranking officers of the national palace whose mission was to arrest the president ... and also to facilitate the installation of a new president," Jouthe said.

Several weapons and ammunition were found among the arrested, and Supreme Court Judge Yvickel Dabrézil also had a prepared speech should he become the provisional president.

The inspector general was accused of being in touch with high-ranking security officials with the alleged plot to arrest Moïse.

Jovenel Moïse brushed off criticism from the opposition and human rights groups who say his presidency should end on Sunday. He insisted his term ends on February 7, 2022, but the opposition rejected this interpretation.

Former President Michel Martelly ended his term in 2016. However, a chaotic election led to a one-year term for a provisional president until Moïse was sworn in in 2017.

Opposition Leader Calls for Civil Disobedience

Hours after the arrests were announced, opposition leader André Michel held a press conference calling for civil disobedience, reported Associated Press. He also demanded for Moïse's arrest.

Michel said it was illegal to arrests Dabrézil because he has automatic immunity. Attorney Reynold Georges, who previously worked under Moïse's administration but has since joined the opposition, also denounced the arrests.

"We ask for his (Dabrézil) release immediately," he said. He also said Haiti's court system should shut, adding that the court system should shut down until Dabrézil is set free.

Meanwhile, Jovenel Moïse has the support of U.S. President Joe Biden. Ned Price, a U.S. State Department spokesperson, said Friday that they are urging Haiti to organize free and fair elections, adding that a new elected president can take over the role as president once Moïse ends his term on February 2022.