Macron’s Haiti Comments Trigger Backlash
Haitians expressed widespread indignation on Friday following controversial comments made by French President Emmanuel Macron during the G20 summit in Brazil earlier this week.
The remarks, captured on video, showcased Macron referring to Haiti’s transitional council as “total morons” and accusing Haitians of transforming their country into a narco-state. 
The video, which surfaced on social media on Thursday, quickly went viral, leading to outrage across Haiti. In response, the Haitian government summoned the French ambassador, demanding a clear explanation for Macron’s inflammatory remarks.
Historical Tensions Add to Macron’s Haiti Comments
The relationship between Haiti and France, rooted in a fraught colonial past, has often been contentious. Truck driver Nicolas Jean Bernett voiced his frustration, stating, “The French still think of us as animals like in the past times of slavery.” Similarly, economist Camille Chalmers, Executive Secretary of PAPDA, condemned Macron’s words as both ignorant and dismissive of Haitian history.
Chalmers spoke on France’s historical responsibility, noting the crippling debt imposed on Haiti following its independence. “France owes Haiti reparations for the independence ransom and holds some accountability for the chaotic situation Haiti faces today,” Chalmers argued.
Rising Violence Intensifies Haiti’s Crisis
Amid the outrage over Macron’s Haiti comments, the country continues to grapple with escalating violence. Following the replacement of interim Prime Minister Garry Conille on November 5 by Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, armed gangs controlling 85% of Port-au-Prince launched fresh attacks.
These violent clashes targeted upscale communities, where residents joined forces with police to resist the gangs. According to the International Organization for Migration, gang violence has displaced over 700,000 people and claimed thousands of lives this year alone.
Macron’s Haiti Comments Reignite Reparations Debate
Macron’s Haiti comments have reignited demands for reparations from France, highlighting ongoing resentment tied to Haiti’s colonial history. Many Haitians see the remarks as reflective of a deeper disrespect for the nation’s struggles and achievements.
The backlash against Macron underscores the enduring complexity of Haiti-France relations, particularly as Haiti faces one of its most turbulent periods in modern history. As protests intensify, Haitians continue to call for justice, reparations, and global acknowledgment of their plight.
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