Celebration of France's National Day at Hotel Montana

Port-au-Prince, July 14, 2025— On the occasion of France's National Day, the French Embassy in Haiti organized a reception at Hotel Montana, bringing together a wide range of personalities from Haiti's diplomatic, political, economic, and social spheres. The ceremony took place in the presence of Ambassador Antoine Michon, members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of international organizations, as well as prominent Haitian figures. The President of the Transitional Presidential Council (CPT), Fritz Alphonse Jean, participated in the celebration, accompanied by Council-Presidents Edgard Leblanc Fils, Leslie Voltaire, Laurent Saint-Cyr, and Frinel Joseph, as well as the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Worship, Jean Harvel Victor Jean Baptiste. In his address, Chancellor Jean Baptiste recalled the historical significance of July 14, emphasizing that it symbolizes the victorious struggle of the French people against social inequalities, but also the legacy of liberty inspired by the French Revolution. He evoked the direct influence of this revolution on the slave revolt in the colony of Saint-Domingue, leading to the proclamation, on January 1, 1804, of the first independent Black Republic. The minister also highlighted the bonds of friendship between Haiti and France, while recalling the historical injustices Haiti has suffered, particularly the ransom for independence imposed by King Charles X's ordinance in 1825. On the occasion of the bicentenary of this ordinance, he quoted an excerpt from the speech delivered by President Emmanuel Macron on April 17, in which he acknowledged that this ordinance « had subjected the people of Haiti to a very heavy financial indemnity and had confronted them… from its constitution with the unjust force of history. » In this regard, the chancellor welcomed the upcoming creation of a Franco-Haitian Joint Commission on Debt, tasked with investigating and formulating recommendations to turn this dark page of shared history and strengthen cooperation between the two countries, in the spirit of values shared by their ancestors. He also expressed his gratitude to France for its support in the field of security, particularly through the training of a contingent of about twenty Haitian soldiers in Martinique. However, this celebration comes at a difficult time. Haiti is grappling with a multidimensional crisis whose effects are exacerbated by failing governance, corruption, and power struggles within the Transitional Presidential Council. Several international partners, including France, are trying to support the country, but progress remains fragile. Foreign diplomats, increasingly reserved, avoid public appearances alongside Haitian leaders, even as the country urgently needs stability and support. With only a few months until the CPT's mandate expires on February 7, 2026, voices are rising to demand its departure and the establishment of a more credible government capable of stemming the crisis paralyzing Haiti. Josué Sénat