Macron ducks specifics on 'double-debt' reparations for Haiti
April 17th marked the bicentenary of France’s recognition of the independence of Haiti, its former colony that won freedom in a revolution led by slaves. In return, Paris imposed a crippling debt upon the new Caribbean nation in the form of an indemnity to be paid to former slave masters for their losses, notably plantations. Many historians argue that the huge debt payment stunted Haiti’s future development, leaving it today one of the poorest countries in the world. Emmanuel Macron last week announced the creation of a bi-lateral commission to look at this episode of history “in the face”, but the French President was careful to make no commitment to pay reparations to Haiti. Ludovic Lamant reports.
InIn a declaration marking the bicentenary this month of the 1825 recognition by France of the independence of Haiti, when it demanded a crippling ransom in return, which remains a major grievance for the Caribbean country, French President Emmanuel Macron pledged to look at this episode of history “in the face” and announced the creation of a “mixed Franco-Haitian commission tasked with examining our common past” and which is to provide both governments with “recommendations”.
