A partial view of the Citadelle Laferrière. Photo credit: via Facebook Milot Culture
UNESCO has strongly condemned the theft of two 18th century bronze cannons, stolen in late May 2024 from the Citadelle Laferrière, located in the Parc national historique – Citadelle, Sans Souci, Ramiers in Milot, a World Heritage Site inscribed in 1982. These cannons are precious witnesses to the history of the Haitian revolution and independence, marked by thirteen years of war between 1791 and 1804.
In an official statement, UNESCO highlighted the importance of these artifacts for Haiti’s collective memory and appealed to professionals and the public involved in the trade of cultural property. The organization urges increased vigilance and to refrain from participating in the import, export or transfer of ownership of these goods, in accordance with the 1970 Convention, ratified by Haiti in 2010.
The disappearance of the cannons has sparked strong emotion within the Haitian community and defenders of world heritage. The announcement of the disappearance of the cannons came as a shock to the nation, heightening concerns about the security of the country’s historical treasures. Subsequently, an official investigation was opened to shed light on this tragedy and recover the stolen cannons.
UNESCO is calling for international cooperation to find and return these pieces of history, stressing the importance of protecting the world’s cultural heritage from acts of vandalism and looting.
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