April 21st 2024.
Nearly 200 years ago, France took advantage of Haiti by demanding a supposed "freedom tax" that they have yet to repay. This injustice has been brought to light by a group of 20 non-governmental organizations, who are now calling on the United Nations to intervene and ensure that Haiti receives the restitution they deserve. According to The Guardian, these organizations are seeking an independent commission from the UN's Permanent Forum on People of African Descent to address this issue. They have labeled the debt as a ransom, and are determined to hold France accountable for their actions.
Monique Clesca, a Haitian activist leading the effort, stated in an interview with Reuters that in order to move forward and truly heal, France must acknowledge their role in this situation. "What's important is that it's time for France to recognize this and for us to move forward," she said. This sentiment was echoed by Clesca during her powerful intervention at the 3rd session of the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent in Geneva, where she received a standing ovation.
Unfortunately, Haiti has been under the control of Western-backed forces for decades. This constant intervention, as argued by Jemima Pierre, must come to an end in order to respect Haitian sovereignty and humanity. She believes that Haiti's ongoing struggles are a result of these outside influences and that they must take responsibility for their actions. In a tweet from The Breach, Pierre's message is clear: Haiti's freedom is essential for the freedom of all.
Pierre, a professor of global race at the University of British Columbia, is also a member of the coalition seeking restitution from France. She believes that the economists who have studied Haiti's loss have actually underestimated the true amount. In an interview with The Guardian, Pierre stated that the debt is not just the initial amount claimed by France, but also includes over 200 years of interest. She estimates that the true amount owed to Haiti is closer to $150 billion or more.
The assassination of Haiti's President, Jovenel Möise, in 2021 has only worsened the situation in the country. The United States' support of an unelected leader, Ariel Henry, has also caused turmoil and resulted in his exile due to his unpopularity with Haitian gangs. Ambassador Daniel Foote, who resigned in protest of President Joe Biden's decision to deport Haitian immigrants, spoke out against American foreign policy in his resignation letter, calling it inhumane and counterproductive.
NPR reports that Haiti's poverty cannot solely be attributed to their leaders' decisions. The country has been greatly impacted by the actions of powerful nations, particularly France. Marlene Daut, a scholar at the University of Virginia, believes that France's demand for reparations from the newly freed enslaved population of Haiti was the greatest heist in history. This demand, which was three times Haiti's GDP, forced them to take out loans from French banks at high-interest rates, hindering their ability to prosper.
In 2020, French economist Thomas Piketty argued that France owes Haiti at least $28 billion in restitution payments. In an interview with French outlet Le Nouvelliste, Piketty explained that this debt was equivalent to three years of Haiti's production in 1825. Jemima Pierre has been vocal about the harmful role that France and the United States have played in Haiti's current state. During her remarks at the meeting, she highlighted the violence and poverty that outside actors have inflicted upon Haiti throughout its history.
Pierre believes that the Western imperial powers use political crises to mask their own responsibility for the violence and poverty in Haiti. She stated, "In order for them to continue playing the role of the savior, they create these crises." She also implicated the United States, Canada, and France in their imperialist actions, stating that they control the negotiations and rules of the Haitian political class.
As the situation in Haiti continues to worsen, it is clear that outside intervention and exploitation have played a significant role. It is time for these powerful nations to take responsibility for their actions and provide restitution to Haiti. As Monique Clesca passionately stated, "If Haiti is not free, none of us are free."
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