Haitians expressed strong indignation on Friday following comments made by French President Emmanuel Macron that were captured on video during the G20 summit in Brazil earlier this week.
The footage, which went viral on social media, shows Macron dismissively referring to Haiti’s transitional council as “total morons” for their decision to fire former Prime Minister Garry Conille.
Macron’s Controversial Statements
In the video, Macron is seen conversing with a Haitian man who criticized France for its role in Haiti’s ongoing struggles.
The French president responded by blaming Haitians for the country’s dire situation, stating, “Frankly, it’s the Haitians who have destroyed Haiti by allowing drug trafficking.”
He further lamented the council’s decision to dismiss Conille, who had been in office for just five months, calling it “terrible” and expressing disbelief that they would let such a capable leader go.
Haitian Government’s Response
Following the release of the video, Haiti’s government summoned the French ambassador to express their outrage over what they deemed “unacceptable” remarks.
The Haitian Foreign Ministry labeled Macron’s comments as “unfriendly and inappropriate,” demanding a formal explanation from France.
Public Reaction in Haiti
On the streets of Port-au-Prince, many Haitians echoed similar sentiments. Truck driver Nicolas Jean Bernett stated, “This is complete rubbish. The French still think of us as animals like in the past times of slavery.”
Economist Camille Chalmers, Executive Secretary of the Haitian Advocacy Platform for an Alternative Development (PAPDA), described the reaction as one of “indignation,” asserting that Macron’s words reflect a profound ignorance of Haiti’s history and ongoing struggles.
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Chalmers emphasized that France owes Haiti a significant debt due to historical injustices, including the forced payment of reparations following Haiti’s independence in 1804.
He stated, “Not only do they have a historical responsibility for reparations and restitution… but they also have some responsibility for the chaotic situation that Haiti is experiencing today.”
Ongoing Crisis in Haiti
The political turmoil in Haiti has intensified recently. On November 5, the transitional council replaced Conille with businessman Alix Didier Fils-Aimé amid escalating gang violence that now controls approximately 85% of Port-au-Prince.
This surge in violence has led to thousands of deaths and displaced around 700,000 people, according to the International Organization for Migration.
Macron’s remarks have reignited tensions between Haiti and France, a former colonial power.
As diplomatic discussions continue, many Haitians are left questioning the future of their nation amidst ongoing violence and political instability.
The call for reparations and acknowledgment of historical wrongs remains a central theme in the discourse surrounding Haiti’s relationship with France.