Two-time former President of Haiti, René Préval, has reportedly died at the age of 74.
His sudden death comes as a shock to many. The cause of death is currently under investigation.
Political Career
Préval was a notable figure in Haitian politics for more than two decades.
In 1991, he served as prime minister under then President Jean-Bertrand Aristide.
He then went on to complete two non-consecutive terms as a democratically elected president.
Presidential Terms
René Préval was first president from 1996 to 2001. He then won re-election in 2006 to serve another 5 years.
He was also the president in office when the catastrophic earthquake of 2010 happened.
World Leaders Commemorate Préval
Foreign dignitaries from around the world quickly expressed their condolences upon hearing the news of Preval’s death.
President Francois Hollande of France and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada were among the foreign leaders who promptly issued public statements acknowledging Preval’s death.
President Jovenel Moise commemorated the news of Preval’s passing with a tweet on his official twitter page.
The state funeral for Rene Preval will be held on Saturday, March 11, 2017.
R.I.P – Rene Preval (January 17, 1943 – March 3, 2017)