Haiti's Slain President Presided Over The Collapse Of Security In His Country

The assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moïse in his heavily guarded private residence on July 7 shocked the nation. But it happened at a time when violence is surging in the country. Many Haitians say that killings, kidnappings and random shootings are at levels they've never seen before.

According to security officials, criminal gangs dramatically expanded their control over parts of Port-au-Prince during Moïse's time in office. Some of Moïse's critics say this was no accident. They charge that the former president not only allowed gangsters to operate freely but worked with them to destabilize some of the most destitute neighborhoods in the capital, particularly areas loyal to his political opponents.

The capital's violence has its biggest impact on the poor

Whatever the reason, the rise in violence is being felt most acutely by some