This indemnity, designed to compensate former slave-owning colonists, had a heavy impact on the country’s economic and social development for almost a century. On this occasion, the French Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jean-Noël Barrot, announced that initiatives would be unveiled by President Emmanuel Macron to address this historical and memorial issue.
Historical background
In 1825, Haiti, the first independent black republic since 1804, was forced to pay an exorbitant indemnity under French military threat. This initial debt, financed by a loan from French banks, generated a second debt linked to interest. These repayments weighed heavily on the Haitian economy until the early 20th century, limiting its development and fuelling structural inequalities.
Initiatives planned for the bicentenary
President Macron is expected to announce specific measures to mark the anniversary. Although details have yet to be confirmed, several organizations, including the Fondation pour la Mémoire de l’Esclavage (FME), are calling for official recognition of this historic injustice and concrete reparative steps. This could include symbolic gestures or financial commitments to Haiti.
Remembrance and reparations
Minister Barrot stressed that France is open to a “calm dialogue” on these memorial issues. The bicentenary is seen as an opportunity to revisit this dark page in Franco-Haitian history, and to consider reparations or solidarity actions. Commemorative events are also planned, including an exhibition at the National Archives and a round-table discussion on the impact of this double debt.
The international community and civil society in both countries hope that this anniversary will mark a turning point in relations between France and Haiti, with a significant gesture that could help repair the legacy of this neo-colonial exploitation.