Since 2004, the Haiti of elites, civil society and the entire population should have seized a historic opportunity to unite and dialogue. However, on the eve of the celebration of the bicentenary of our independence, internal and external forces have prevented us from coming together, from transcending our differences to affirm our unity. This moment should have been a demonstration of our national pride, but it was drowned out by empty slogans such as “gren nan bouda”, “rat pa kaka”, and the promotion of divisive ideas like the “new social contract” or again the rise of groups like Groupe 184 and Ti Minorité Zwit.
*The missed opportunity of the bicentenary*
Instead of strengthening our national cohesion, the events of 2004 revealed that the only beneficiaries of these orchestrated fractures were a minority of elites and opportunistic clans. While the majority of the population sank further into poverty and indifference, certain groups enjoyed indecent privileges: tax exemptions, unlimited franchises, and economic advantages at the expense of basic public services. The new social contract, supposed to restructure the nation, was only a pretext to impose transitions without a future, driven by disconnected representatives, without vision, leadership, or sense of responsibility.
*A methodical national deconstruction*
Since 2004, Haiti has begun a process of systematic deconstruction. Natural disasters, which could have united us in solidarity, have on the contrary revealed the flaws of a State plagued by corruption and indifference. Rampant insecurity, a glaring symbol of national collapse, continues to undermine our hopes. Manipulated by both internal and external interests, it further impoverishes the population, amplifies inequalities and deepens social exclusion.
The pinnacle of this destructive spiral was reached on July 7, 2021, with the assassination in office of President Jovenel Moïse. This tragic act highlighted the insidious plot of some Haitians against their own nation. Despite a critical context, the refusal to dialogue between the different forces in the country persisted. With real dialogue, many crises could have been avoided. But pride, self-interest and lack of political will triumphed.
*The total blockage and the path to dialogue*
Today, Haiti is paralyzed. Everything is blocked. There is no clear leadership, no vision, nor even a collective will to resolve the problems plaguing the country. However, only a sincere, unifying and inclusive dialogue could get Haiti out of this chaos. Nothing works, no sector is spared from degradation. This chaos is the direct consequence of the absence of real leadership capable of bringing about unity and establishing an inclusive dialogue. What Haiti needs is a unifying, sincere and without ulterior motive dialogue.
This dialogue must bring together all the components of Haitian society: elites, middle class, peasants, young people, the bourgeoisie, civil society, ghettos, economic groups, political parties, the church, reformed religions, voodooists, armed groups, women, and diaspora. It must break down social, political and economic divisions to build a common future. Only an inclusive dialogue, driven by a genuine desire for change, can extract Haiti from the infernal cycle of instability.
*The urgency of an inclusive dialogue*
The current crises – political, economic, environmental – reveal a brutal reality: without dialogue, there is no solution. The country is fragmented, with each actor seeking to maximize their own interests to the detriment of the collective interest. Manipulated revolts, locked countries, kanpé deye Barikad, Bwa kalé, Bals Kalés, lari pabon, special interests, and glaring inequalities have only amplified poverty, exclusion and instability .
Inclusive dialogue is the only way to build national reconciliation, guarantee the rights of all citizens, and create the foundations for responsible governance. This process will require:
1. Immediate disarmament and serious reintegration to restore a minimum of security.
2. Territorial consultations to collect the priorities of local communities.
3. A national reconciliation conference to establish consensus around national priorities.
*The role of the international community*
The international community bears some responsibility for this disunity. His clumsy interventions, often based on geopolitical or economic interests, have contributed to widening the gap between Haitians. Lessons from past failures, notably the chronic instability generated by successive UN missions, must guide new approaches focused on institutional strengthening and support for authentic dialogue.
The United Nations, the OAS, and major donors must stop imposing technocratic solutions. Rather, they must facilitate spaces for dialogue and encourage mechanisms that strengthen democratic governance, social integration, and national sovereignty.
*Break the cycle of instability*
Haiti cannot rebuild itself without a real campaign of social and political integration. It is imperative to break with cycles of sterile transitions, political manipulation and lack of vision. Reconciliation, based on inclusive dialogue, is essential to stabilize the country and begin real social transformation.
Two centuries after its independence, it is time for Haiti to become aware of its collective strength and redefine its destiny through unity, social justice, and responsible governance. Inclusive dialogue is the key to turning this dream into reality.
It is time for every Haitian, whatever their position, to agree to speak to others, not to divide, but to build together. The current chaos is not inevitable. With sincere dialogue, Haiti can be reborn and regain its dignity as the first independent black Republic. The ball is in each of us’s court.
Patrick Alexis
Committed Citizen
alexispat@gmail.com
