French President Emmanuel Macron publicly addressed the extensive historical debt imposed on Haiti, urging a recognition of the past injustices faced by the nation. In a statement made this Thursday, he underscored that it has been 200 years since King Charles X of France recognized Haiti's independence—conditional upon the repayment of a staggering indemnity to former French colonists. This circumstance has uniquely placed Haiti in a position where descendants of formerly enslaved individuals were compelled to pay reparations to their former masters.
“By imposing a financial burden on these new citizens of a free nation, history forced Haiti to grapple with deep-seated inequalities from its inception,” Macron emphasized. Throughout his presidency, which began in 2017, Macron has remained silent on this contentious issue until now.
To facilitate a deeper understanding, he announced the formation of a joint commission composed of French and Haitian historians. This body aims to investigate “two centuries of history,” particularly focusing on the ramifications of the 1825 indemnity and its long-lasting effects on Haiti's development. The commission will be led by respected figures: Yves Saint-Geours, a French historian and diplomat, alongside Gusti-Klara Gaillard Pourchet, a Haitian scholar based in France.
Upon completion of their investigation, the commission is expected to present findings and recommendations that may inform future relations and foster a more peaceful coexistence between the two countries.
