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This page brings together the latest news from Haiti, provided by independent websites and Twitter accounts. You will also find blogs from members of our platform, and friends from Haiti and abroad.
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The articles on this page do not necessarily reflect the position of the Coordination Europe-Haiti.
THE GAPPING WOUND OF A RANSOM THAT IS HARD TO HEAL
April 17, 1825 – April 17, 2025: Two centuries have passed since French King Charles X issued a decree demanding that Haiti pay France 150 million francs in exchange for recognizing its independence, which had been declared on January 1, 1804. This ransom was intended to compensate the former slave-owning colonists who had fled Saint-Domingue during the War of Independence. At the time this decree was delivered to the young nation, freshly freed from slavery, 14 French warships carrying 500 cannons were stationed off the coast of Haiti, ready to attack. Faced with this threat, Haiti’s then-president, Jean-Pierre Boyer, gave in to the extortion.
Haiti, Between Resilience and Challenges: A Country of Two Faces
Under the gentle shade of the trees, a conversation begins in a garden, contrasting with the grim reality of Port-au-Prince. While the capital is shaken by gang violence, other parts of the country continue to live, resilient and full of hope. Margo Meeuwissen, engaged in rural development, shares insights into the challenges and adaptations of communities facing upheavals. But how can Haiti move forward when those in power perpetuate instability?
Haitians Begin 2025 Between a Glimmer of Hope and Overwhelming Fear
Despite the ongoing crisis, Haiti welcomed 2025 with a mix of hope and anxiety. Haitians, in the face of relentless hardships, celebrated the New Year and their country’s Independence Day with the traditional soup joumou, a symbol of solidarity and resilience. However, the situation remains dire. The year 2024 ended in violence, leaving thousands dead, food insecurity worsening, and the country at a standstill. The Provisional Transitional Council, expected to stabilize the situation, has struggled to fulfill its promises, fueling frustration and calls for change. Nevertheless, there are glimmers of hope: the creativity of Haitian artisans, the inauguration of the port in Saint-Louis du Sud, and strengthened regional cooperation. On the security front, international reinforcements are arriving, yet without swift improvements, the elections planned for 2025 remain uncertain. Will Haiti find the strength to overcome these challenges and pave the way for a more stable future?
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