The head of Haiti’s “Transitional Presidential Council” Edgard Leblanc Fils demanded “historical reparations” for his country at the United Nations General Assembly on Thursday, asserting that the international community has an “essential role” in Haiti’s recovery.
The Transitional Presidential Council, which Leblanc presides over, was formed at the end of April following a prolonged period of political negotiations to serve as the nation’s working government after months of gang violence left the country on the brink of total collapse. Haiti has not had a president since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in July 2021.
In his speech to the U.N., Leblanc extended a salute to all Haitian migrants around the world, assuring them that, wherever they are, the council he leads is “thinking of them until the conditions are right for them to return to the fold.”
Speaking on behalf of the Haitian people, Leblanc also extended “fraternal greetings to all the friends of Haiti” that have shown solidarity with its migrants, making special mention of Springfield, Ohio.
“The long history of friendship and mutual solidarity between our two nations, since our participation in the Battle of Savannah in 1779, allows us to say with confidence that the American people reject any incitement to hatred against our community,” Leblanc said. “The active participation of Haitian immigrants at various levels of American life is tangible and significant.”
Over my dead body!