France and Haiti to Establish Mixed Committee to Study Historical Issues

On April 17, the French President Macron issued a statement regarding the relationship between France and Haiti, saying that the two countries will establish a mixed committee to study historical issues, including the forced compensation Haiti had to pay to France after gaining independence from French colonial rule.

Macron said in the statement that after the committee completes its work, it will submit suggestions to the two governments to help them learn from history and ease future relations.

Haiti was originally inhabited by Native Americans. After Christopher Columbus discovered the island of Haiti in 1492, it successively became a colony of Spain and France. Haiti declared independence on January 1, 1804. On April 17, 1825, King Charles X of France recognized Haiti's independence and imposed huge compensation claims at the same time. Haiti paid the compensation for more than a hundred years, and its national economy was burdened heavily.

Macron's statement came on the 200th anniversary of King Charles X's recognition of Haiti's independence. Macron said in the statement that the compensation Haiti paid was an "historical injustice".

According to a press release issued on the social media page of Haiti's transitional presidential committee, the committee commemorated the 200th anniversary of King Charles X's recognition of Haiti's independence on April 17. The press release said that the committee will continue to hold dialogues with France on issues such as France's return of the compensation Haiti paid and making up for the damage Haiti suffered.