December 23, 2024
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Worship (MAEC) has issued a strong protest following remarks made by French President Emmanuel Macron during the G20 summit in Brazil. Haitian Foreign Minister Jean-Victor Harvel Jean-Baptiste summoned French Ambassador Antoine Michon on Thursday to express the transitional government’s indignation. An official letter of protest was handed to the ambassador, addressed to France’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Jean-Noël Barrot. The comments were deemed “unfriendly and inappropriate,” requiring urgent clarification.
During the meeting, Ambassador Antoine Michon acknowledged the “unfortunate” nature of the President’s statements, attributing them to a specific context. While regretting their impact, he reaffirmed France’s commitment to Haiti, stating, “France remains a loyal partner of the Haitian people and will continue to support the country’s transition, particularly in restoring security and organizing elections.” These assurances aimed to ease diplomatic tensions caused by the incident.
Responding to Haitian professor Marky Jean Pierre’s question about rising insecurity and the spread of weapons in Haiti, Macron remarked, “Frankly, it’s the Haitians who destroyed Haiti. By allowing drug trafficking, and look at what they’ve done: the Prime Minister was fantastic—I defended him—and they ousted him. It’s terrible! I can’t replace him. They’re completely foolish! They should never have removed him. The PM was remarkable!” The comments referred to Garry Conille, dismissed by the Transitional Presidential Council (CPT) after just five months as Prime Minister.
The replacement of Garry Conille with Alix Didier Fils-Aimé has sparked national and international controversy. The decision, made without consulting the April 3 agreement signatories, was viewed as a major setback in efforts to restore stability. Observers suggest the dismissal stemmed from Conille’s opposition to strategic ministerial changes sought by the Presidential Council.