In a renewed push for historical justice, a coalition of approximately 20 non-governmental organisations has urged France to repay billions of dollars to Haiti, a sum that corresponds to a controversial ‘ransom’ Haiti paid to France in exchange for its recognition of independence. Photo: Internet Source

The call came during the United Nations Permanent Forum on People of African Descent (PFPAD) in Geneva.

The roots of the demand trace back two centuries to the aftermath of Haiti’s revolution. After becoming the first Caribbean state to achieve independence from colonial rule in 1804, France imposed an onerous financial demand on the nascent nation.

Haiti was coerced into compensating France for lost property resulting from the Haitian Revolution, including the value of freed slaves. The 150 million francs, later reduced to 90 million, were dubbed an “independence ransom” and Haiti completed the payments in 1947.

Haiti has since struggled with pervasive poverty and underdevelopment, conditions many attribute to the crippling debt imposed by France. Monique Clesca, a Haitian civil society activist coordinating the reparation efforts, underscored the urgency of the issue: “What’s important is that it’s time that France recognises this and we move forward.”

Historical estimates of the debt paid by Haiti to France have varied. According to a New York Times assessment, Haiti’s loss was approximated at $21 billion. Yet, Jemima Pierre, a professor of global race at the University of British Columbia, argues that the actual sum, inclusive of two centuries of interest, could be far greater, ranging from “$150 billion, $200 billion or more.”

This position hints at the profound economic impact the indemnity has had on Haiti and suggests that the reparations owed should encompass both the principal and the opportunity cost borne by the Haitian people.

France has previously acknowledged a “moral debt” to Haiti, and while it has provided hundreds of millions of dollars in development aid, the call for restitution frames the conversation within the historical context of injustice and the long-term consequences of colonial exploitation.

The coalition seeks the establishment of an independent commission to oversee the restitution process. They propose that any reparations be directed towards public works in Haiti to help the country restore security and recover from a period of devastating violence by armed groups.

The PFPAD has considered the idea of forming a tribunal to address reparations for slavery, indicating a broader, global reckoning with the legacies of colonialism and the slave trade. Last year’s suggestion by the PFPAD for a tribunal to address reparations for slavery aligns with the current demands for restitution to Haiti.

Amidst the mounting calls for reparations, the French foreign ministry has not offered an immediate response to the coalition’s requests.