April 26, 2025
Fritz Deshommes, president of the National Committee for Restitutions and Reparations, believes that France is still reluctant to take the restitution of the independence ransom Haiti paid seriously. He doubts the genuine intentions of the French authorities, despite the announcements planned for April 17, the bicentennial of this historic debt.
According to Deshommes, Emmanuel Macron is more focused on the memory of slavery than on tangible restitution. He advocates for reparations that are separate from any development aid initiatives, condemning the conditions imposed on the management of funds.
To mobilize public opinion, the Committee has launched a series of initiatives, including conferences and screenings, across the country. These actions are coordinated through the State University of Haiti and public universities in the regions, with the support of the National Network for Higher Education.
Internationally, a Haitian delegation will participate in a major meeting organized by the United Nations to advocate for restitution. At the same time, a petition has been launched to support this effort, presented as a long-term and structured process.
Fritz Deshommes reminds that this ransom represents colossal losses for the country, estimated between 21 and 135 billion dollars. He stresses the importance of a national reconstruction plan that would include the social, economic, and historical reparations owed for this injustice.
