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Amidst a deepening crisis in Haiti, campaigners are intensifying calls for France to repay billions in reparations, deemed a “ransom” extracted from the Caribbean nation. Advocates argue this reimbursement is France’s moral responsibility and could provide crucial financial relief to the struggling country.
Fresh Demands for Haiti Reparations Emerge on Bicentenary
The renewed appeal for Haiti reparations coincides with the 200th anniversary of the 1825 agreement, where Haiti was compelled to pay France 150 million francs. This payment was intended to compensate colonists who formerly owned slaves following the Haitian Revolution.
The Estimated Value of the Historical Debt
Although later reduced to 90 million francs, Fritz Deshommes, head of the Haitian National Committee on Restitution and Reparations (HNCRR), estimates the present-day value of this payment could range from $38 billion to $135 billion. This considerable variation depends on calculation methods and considers factors like lost customs revenue and hindered economic progress.
Haiti: From Key French Colony to Independent Nation
Once France’s most lucrative Caribbean colony, Haiti became the destination for hundreds of thousands of Africans, forcibly taken across the Atlantic and enslaved. After a hard-fought revolution against French, Spanish, and British forces, Haiti declared its independence in 1804, becoming the first Caribbean nation to break free from colonial rule.
But, according to HNCRR member Jean Mozart Feron, France subsequently demanded an “unjust and exorbitant ransom” under threat of military intervention. This levy, purportedly for compensating former enslavers, had devastating consequences.
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Economic Impact and Long-Term Consequences of the Ransom
Feron emphasized that these substantial payments severely hampered the newly formed nation. “This ransom plunged Haiti into a cycle of economic dependence from which it has never fully recovered,” he stated. “It stifled the young nation, impeding its development and diverting essential resources from vital sectors such as education and infrastructure.”
He further explained that this debt not only engendered deep-seated poverty, social inequality, and fragile institutions but also negatively shaped international perceptions and treatment of Haiti, often disregarding this history of economic exploitation.
Campaign for Restitution and International Support
Monique Clesca, spokesperson for Kolektif Ayisyen Afwodesandan, a civil society group advocating for Haiti reparations, described the “monstrous debt” as preventing the nation from progressing at its natural pace.
“Politically, this meant we almost became a neocolony, utterly indebted to France, not only economically, but symbolically and politically intertwined. The continuous debt has had severe and lasting repercussions,” Clesca added.
Campaigners are urgently calling for France to return the “ransom” and provide comprehensive restitution for the enduring harm caused by slavery and colonization.
Caricom Backs Haiti’s Reparations Claim
The HNCRR is collaborating with the Caribbean Community (Caricom), which has established a 10-point plan focused on reparatory justice.
Caricom’s Secretary-General Voices Support at UN Forum
Speaking at the UN Permanent Forum on People of African Descent, Caricom secretary-general, Dr Carla Barnett, reinforced the calls for reparations for Haiti.
“The adverse economic and social impacts of this historical injustice are unmistakably clear, with evident links to Haiti’s current situation. This anniversary presents a crucialMoment to focus global attention and foster a deeper understanding of Haiti’s plight. It serves as an urgent appeal to address the ongoing security, humanitarian, and governance crises in the nation,” Dr. Barnett stated.
Haiti Appeals for Global Solidarity
Heron, appealing for worldwide support for Haiti’s claim, noted, “Haitian citizens do not blame present-day French people for the 1825 decision made by the French state. However, we believe the French people have a moral responsibility and a duty to stand in solidarity with the Haitian people in this endeavor.”
HNCRR believes Haiti and France can reach an agreement on valuable expertise and technical assistance within a restitution framework. However, Heron stressed that Haiti must ultimately determine how to utilize the reparations.
Addressing Concerns Amidst Haiti’s Ongoing Crisis
Haiti has been deeply unstable since the 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse, followed by escalating gang violence that led to the resignation of unelected Prime Minister Ariel Henry in March 2024. International support has thus far failed to restore stable governance and curb the spiraling violence, which has resulted in thousands of deaths and mass displacement.
Feron countered arguments suggesting the current crisis would impede Haiti’s ability to manage reparations effectively, asserting that the nation’s present state is a direct consequence of its historical exploitation.
“Our committee intends to collaborate closely with civil society to provide clear guidance to the Haitian state on the responsible and transparent management and optimal utilization of these funds,” Feron concluded.