Scandal erupted between France and Haiti over Macron
French President Emmanuel Macron (photo: Getty Images)
French President Emmanuel Macron has referred to Haiti's leaders as morons, sparking a diplomatic row between the two nations, reports The Guardian.
According to the publication, Haiti's government summoned the French ambassador to formally protest what it described as unfriendly and inappropriate remarks made by President Macron.
On Wednesday, the French president addressed the situation in the Caribbean nation, criticizing the decision of Haiti's Transitional Presidential Council to dismiss the prime minister as completely dumb. The decision, taken in early November, came amid escalating gang violence.
"Honestly, it is Haitians who killed Haiti by letting in drug trafficking," Macron stated.
Following these remarks, during his visit to Brazil, President Macron praised Haiti's former Prime Minister Garry Conille, who had been ousted due to disagreements with the council. Macron referred to Conille as a great leader.
"They are total morons, they should never have fired him," the French president stated.
Macron's comments provoked outrage in Haiti, a former French colony. However, on Thursday, while in Chile, he appeared to adopt a softer tone.
"France will never turn its face from a crisis … There will never be a double standard in face of tragedy, be it in Haiti, Venezuela or at the gates of Europe," Macron emphasized.
The Guardian explained that Haiti's leadership is torn by internal divisions, with three members of the transitional presidential council, tasked with restoring security and preparing for elections, accused of corruption. Despite this, they remain in office.
The Guardian also reported that France has committed to contributing 4 million euros to the UN fund to support a mission aimed at restoring security in Haiti, which is facing a severe shortage of resources. This mission will also fund French and Creole language courses for French military personnel.
Additionally, Haiti's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that during the meeting, French Ambassador Antoine Michon assured that France would remain by Haiti's side to help restore security and conduct elections.
In early October, it was reported that members of the Gran Grif gang opened fire on residents in the city of Pont-Sondé, Haiti. The attack resulted in at least 70 fatalities, including children.
