Macron's criticism of Haiti leaders sparks diplomatic row with former colony

RFI

22 November 2024 at 5:45 am·1-min read

Haiti's transitional government has been unable to get a grip on spiralling gang violence.

Haiti has summoned France's ambassador following remarks by French President Emmanuel Macron who was filmed calling the country's leaders "completely stupid". Macron's comments have sparked particular outrage in the former French colony.

Ambassador Antoine Michon faced Haiti's foreign minister on Thursday over what officials called "unfriendly and inappropriate" comments made by Macron on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Brazil.

Macron was caught on camera criticising the Caribbean country's decision to oust the prime minister earlier this month.

"Frankly, it's the Haitians who have destroyed Haiti by letting in drug trafficking," he said while speaking to a bystander about Haiti's political and humanitarian crisis.

"They are completely dumb, they should never have fired him," he added, describing the former prime minister as "great".

The comments referred to Garry Conille, who was removed on 10 November after five months in office amid worsening gang warfare. He was replaced by entrepreneur and former senate candidate Alix Didier Fils-Aimé.

The council said it would file a formal protest with France's Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs.

(with newswires)

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