Ex-Colonial Territory Seeks Compensation from France
Haiti’s interim president appealed to the global community to honor his nation's dignity during a memorable speech at the UN, which gained attention after he doused himself with water. Read Full Article at RT.com
TroibNews 
Haitian interim president Edgard Leblanc Fils made headlines as he called for “just and appropriate reparations” from France to address the colonial-era debt imposed on Haiti. The call for “respect” gained unexpected attention when he inadvertently soaked his suit while attempting to drink from a water jug during his speech.
Addressing the UN General Assembly in New York on Thursday, Leblanc, who serves as the leader of the Haitian Transitional Presidential Council, characterized Haiti as “the great victim of a historical injustice that has delayed its development and burdened its people.”
Leblanc emphasized, “This debt has been an unjust penalty that has stifled the potential of the Haitian people for generations.” He asserted that Haiti seeks “not looking for charity, but justice, respect for its dignity and its right to a dignified and prosperous existence.”
As he articulated the word “dignity,” Leblanc raised a large pitcher of water to drink, but ended up spilling water all over himself. This moment was captured on video and quickly went viral, being noted that he was the only speaker at the assembly to drink directly from the jug without using a glass first.
Despite this mishap, he quickly regained his composure and continued to call for financial reparations from France. He stated that Haiti desires “the implementation of just and appropriate reparations, which will make it possible for our people to free themselves from the invisible chains of this unjust past.”
Leblanc referred to a debt that France imposed on Haiti in 1825, following a slave revolt that ended French colonial rule. Haiti was forced to pay France 150 million francs in five installments in exchange for diplomatic recognition and compensation for the loss of its most lucrative colony.
To meet these payments, Haiti had to borrow from both France and the United States, creating a cycle of debt. By the time Haiti made its final payment in 1947, it was estimated that the nation had paid a staggering total of 12 million francs, equivalent to over $560 million today.
While Leblanc did not disclose the amount of reparations he is seeking, activists have previously called for as much as $200 billion, using complex calculations to account for interest on the $560 million paid by Haiti, along with potential economic growth hindered by years of repayments. However, France has already dismissed the possibility of paying reparations.
Since making its last debt payment, Haiti has faced a series of crises. Notably, the Duvalier family, consisting of father and son François ‘Papa Doc’ Duvalier and Jean-Claude ‘Baby Doc’ Duvalier, ruled the country from 1957 until 1986, leading to soaring national debt and widespread poverty. In 2010, a devastating earthquake claimed over 220,000 lives, and in 2021, the assassination of President Jovenel Moise plunged the nation into chaos.
Now, a confederation of criminal gangs had been effectively governing Haiti until the establishment of the Transitional Presidential Council earlier this year, which is tasked with overseeing the country until a new president is elected.
Frederick R Cook contributed to this report for TROIB News
Addressing the UN General Assembly in New York on Thursday, Leblanc, who serves as the leader of the Haitian Transitional Presidential Council, characterized Haiti as “the great victim of a historical injustice that has delayed its development and burdened its people.”
Leblanc emphasized, “This debt has been an unjust penalty that has stifled the potential of the Haitian people for generations.” He asserted that Haiti seeks “not looking for charity, but justice, respect for its dignity and its right to a dignified and prosperous existence.”
As he articulated the word “dignity,” Leblanc raised a large pitcher of water to drink, but ended up spilling water all over himself. This moment was captured on video and quickly went viral, being noted that he was the only speaker at the assembly to drink directly from the jug without using a glass first.
Despite this mishap, he quickly regained his composure and continued to call for financial reparations from France. He stated that Haiti desires “the implementation of just and appropriate reparations, which will make it possible for our people to free themselves from the invisible chains of this unjust past.”
Leblanc referred to a debt that France imposed on Haiti in 1825, following a slave revolt that ended French colonial rule. Haiti was forced to pay France 150 million francs in five installments in exchange for diplomatic recognition and compensation for the loss of its most lucrative colony.
To meet these payments, Haiti had to borrow from both France and the United States, creating a cycle of debt. By the time Haiti made its final payment in 1947, it was estimated that the nation had paid a staggering total of 12 million francs, equivalent to over $560 million today.
While Leblanc did not disclose the amount of reparations he is seeking, activists have previously called for as much as $200 billion, using complex calculations to account for interest on the $560 million paid by Haiti, along with potential economic growth hindered by years of repayments. However, France has already dismissed the possibility of paying reparations.
Since making its last debt payment, Haiti has faced a series of crises. Notably, the Duvalier family, consisting of father and son François ‘Papa Doc’ Duvalier and Jean-Claude ‘Baby Doc’ Duvalier, ruled the country from 1957 until 1986, leading to soaring national debt and widespread poverty. In 2010, a devastating earthquake claimed over 220,000 lives, and in 2021, the assassination of President Jovenel Moise plunged the nation into chaos.
Now, a confederation of criminal gangs had been effectively governing Haiti until the establishment of the Transitional Presidential Council earlier this year, which is tasked with overseeing the country until a new president is elected.
Frederick R Cook contributed to this report for TROIB News
