Haiti is calling for cash reparations despite receiving billions of dollars in foreign aid from countries around the globe over the years and barely having a functioning government. Edgard Leblanc Fils, head of Haiti’s Transitional Presidential Council, addressed the United Nations (UN) General Assembly on Thursday, calling for “historical reparations” for Haiti.
The Transitional Presidential Council was established in late April after extensive political negotiations. It is currently functioning as Haiti’s nominal government following a period of severe gang violence that nearly caused the country to collapse. Haiti has been without a president since the assassination of Jovenel Moïse in July 2021.
In his address, Leblanc acknowledged Haitian migrants worldwide, assuring them that the council will consider their return once conditions improve. He also extended “fraternal greetings” to those showing solidarity with Haitian migrants, specifically mentioning Springfield, Ohio, where the foreign nationals have killed children and are accused of abusing animals.
Leblanc stressed that the primary responsibility for overcoming Haiti’s challenges lies with the Haitian people, but he also blames the international community. He labeled Haiti a “great victim of historical injustice,” referencing France’s demand for indemnity payments in exchange for diplomatic recognition in 1825.
“On the eve of the bicentenary of this unprecedented event in the history of the world, has the time not come for the restitution of these sums?” Leblanc demanded.
During the Haitian Revolution, Haitians ethnically cleansed the white French population. The genocide likely delayed the abolition of slavery in the United States, where anti-abolitionists frequently cited the possibility of similar massacres.
Leblanc did not mention that France has paid Haiti tens of millions of dollars in aid over the years, and the international community at large has given the country over $13 billion.
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