A Haitian flag is used as an ornament by a spectator attending a ceremony marking the anniversary of the Battle of Vertire. Haiti maintains a close connection to its ancestral homeland in Africa. Photo by Swoan Parker/Reuters.
Barely weeks after many cheered Haiti’s scheduled acceptance as a member of the African Union at its next meeting in Kigali, here comes some news to dampen our spirits.
The African Union in a statement issued on Tuesday the 17th of May has denied granting Haiti associate member status, asserting that according to its statues (article 29.1 of the AU constitution), only African states can join the African Union.
Apparently this narrow definition relies on geography instead of ideology, physical location rather than identity, and considers an “African state” to be a mere expression of geographical boundaries, running often haphazardly across the African continent. It is self-limiting to the union and serves no immediate purpose.
It is a no-brainer that physical proximity is often the least element necessary for fostering collaboration between countries; indeed often times it has been the reason for strife and mutual disrespect amongst neighbors. It can’t be overstated that in this age of globalization, physical distance counts for next to nothing. Haiti shares too much in common with Africa for the country to be denied full AU membership status.
A shared Identity (language, culture, ideology) is everything. It is the reason why the US has closer ties with the UK than it does with neighboring Mexico and the rest of Americas; it is the reason why Cuba has a stronger relationship with Russia than it does with its neighbours; it is the reason why a Nigerian can connect with a Ghanaian faster than a Cameroonian. The Arab league, NATO, and even OPEC are examples of how powerful community of nations can be forged outside of geographical proximity.
With full membership denied, Haiti is expected to continue in its previously held position as an observer member (with no voting or proposal rights), a status it has held since 2012.
It does appear that the AU is simply reluctant about admitting Haiti into its ranks for whatever the reason may be. Referring to a statute which can always be amended, seems like a tidy excuse for the AU, which probably does not consider a stronger bond with Haiti to be of any immediate benefit to the economic and political welfare of the member states.
One can only wonder if the AU would respond in the same way or be effectively willing to shift position if a more prosperous nation, say Brazil, had demonstrated similar interest in joining the AU.
Affirming its love and cooperation with sister states around the Caribbean and people of African descent, the AU highlighted its proposal for a “sixth region” that would be made up of the African diaspora and civil society organizations from Africa.
All of these however, fall short of the no-holds embrace Haiti expected and deserved from the AU.
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A bunch of cowardly lions.
The pretend AU rejected the most African and supposely blackest country in the Diaspora.What kind of stupidity is that? Sincerely if black or dark skinned haitians were mulatoes ,arabs they won't suffer like that.Now Haiti should rethink its strategies and maybe deal with other people from from other continent.That black thing doesn't work.It might not work in the future.Haiti fought the wrong war maybe....
Jean-Jacques Dessalines did NOT fight the wrong war. He fought to establish the NATION of Hayti (as it was spelled in 1804). He first said it at the Battle of the Crête à Pierrot (4 March until 24 March 1802): "Je vous rendrai indépendants" ("I will make you independant") at a time when Toussaint Louverture was still clinging to his title of "Gouverneur de la colonie française de Saint-Domingue" ("Governor of the French Colony of Saint-Domingue").
Read and reread the "Constitution of Hayti 1805" (Wikipedia), the first constitution of independent Hayti. It was all about the nation of Hayti and NOTHING more. Unfortunately, most Haytians today do not know that, and some are resorting to dubious ideologies (panafricanism and others) while conveniently forgetting that it was Africans who sold our ancestors as slaves to the French and other Europeans. We should go back to our original goal, i.e. the only thing that matters to us are the interests of the Haytian nation.
Haiti is not African. The Haitian Experience is not the African Experience. They may be similar but they are different. Haiti can form other regional alliances within her neighbours with similar black experience. Haiti and others in her region can show solidarity with Africa in other ways but definitely not as full AU members. Maybe on a Pan-African level. The observer status is ample, considerate and appropriate, The AU is right on this one.
Really? Haiti is one of the founding members of United Nation right after Haiti helped many west African countries to get their independence Senegal was the last one I believe just do your research we sent teachers, politicians ,nation builders for them .the Europeans captured us from mama Africa Benin to the Caribbean still keep our language and heritage . You don't like us because we are financially poor so if South Africa with all those white folks in control is African to you not Haiti ? Your AU can reject us bot not the soul of of our Mama Africa. Haiti wrote the United Nation Universal Law by Emile Saint Lôt. You need to study Haiti
WTF are u talking about?You sound so desperate...WE DONT NEEED THEM.,..CHINA OWNS THEM....
I think you misjudged me bro , it's unbelievable to see how ungrateful this AU group is and other Africans like minded are I found out that AU is a Corporation using the EU or European concepts it's only about money and material resources you can give that's it so that's not African nature that is y whit epeople in South African their slave Masters grand children are in African Union smh... feel me ? Yes ur right we don't need to join that Corporation so to all melanated conscious people keep pumping ya black Fist !
wow. And here we are again fighting amongst our selves.
It is not fighting it's called conversation so we can clarify our differences hopefully to be on the same page.
You clearly do not understand me... What I'm saying is you are saying that part of this problem is motivated by financial status... (which I did not know) and here we are IF YOU SCROLL UP you will see other conversations that are more fighting words about who is "better than" the other rather than conversation to clarify.
Lmichael Bonho, you are either a white man, a brainwashed ignoramus, who is trying to cause dissension in our midst. It is easy for you to hide behind a mask a spit out garbage. Show us your true self. I believe you are a troll.
I feel your frustration, but I beg you not to fall in the trap of Africa vs Haiti. I'm an African leaving in the US. This has nothing to do with the ordinary people. It's those suits and ties wearing simps that called themselves politicians that come up with these decisions. They lack common sense. You cannot expect much from them.
Well said
"Africa is merely a victim of jealousy and envy because of their beauty and wealth. When you are a beautiful tree with very ripe and delicious fruit, the world world throw anything at you to plough your fruit." Brooklyn Haitians, your attitude on this thread sucks and needs checking, please act with sense and decorum and respect yourself - Read a book, do your research and do something meaningful for you kind instead of bringing dissension and bringing them down. As for your CHINA STATEMENT, we are onto China, we know their mission, we are conversant of their schemes, we need them to do things for us that the west have refused to do over the years, African countries have different bilateral agreement with China, in varying degrees and dimension and it may appear as though "they own Africa" according to your ignorant statement, but it is only for a limited time and if you must know, it is only a means to an end for Africans. Come to think of it...don't they own Haiti, America and the rest of the world?
all haitians have french names. come to senegal, you will see real Djola and Mandingo and Wolof names. colonisation was just a fraction of time. how can you feel mama africa if you dont even know where it is and where you come from?
But yet Africans kept their and somehow couldn't even fight for their independence...HAITI is the HEARTBEAT OF THE BLACK WORLD not AFRICA. I dont understand your point when a lot of Africans hate themselves and are ashamed of africas image...
"All Haitians have French name "?? Have you been to the country side ? Your ignorance is at the bottom or maybe you just hate them .
To be one of the founding members of the UN is not an achievement but a sellout. UN is how the west and the victors of the 2nd world war divide and share Africa and the rest of the world including Haiti. We understand your role in the African struggle. You all speak in a tone of superiority rather than comradery. These are some of the poison, kinks, or anger and animosity I speak about that you must address and overcome within yourselves and your neighbours, regionally, before you are fit enough to merge with us on a Pan-African level. That Africans are humble, hospitable and accommodating does not make us fools. "Africa is merely a victim of jealousy and envy because of their beauty and wealth. When you are a beautiful tree with very ripe and delicious fruit, the world world throw anything at you to plough your fruit." Brooklyn Haitians, your attitude on this thread sucks and needs checking, please act with sense and decorum and respect yourself - Read a book, do your research and do something meaningful for you kind instead of bringing dissension and bringing them down. As for your CHINA STATEMENT, we are onto China, we know their mission, we are conversant of their schemes, we need them to do things for us that the west have refused to do over the years, African countries have different bilateral agreement with China, in varying degrees and dimension and it may appear as though "they own Africa" according to your ignorant statement, but it is only for a limited time and if you must know, it is only a means to an end for Africans. Come to think of it...don't they own Haiti, America and the rest of the world?
Well africa sold us to slavery now i think this is a much needed discussion ..Im tired of blaming white people... what about those black kings and queens who sold us . China is creating so much in Africa I dont think theres anything you can do MONEY TALKS and ps this AKON project is really CHINA'S PROJECT
You right with all the SELF HATE AND BLEACHING going on in Africa how could we be on same level and not to mention the fact Haiti gains independence waaayyyy before you allk !! ALSO WHAT AFRICA???? THE ONE CHINA IS BUYING UP?????
Brooklyns Haitians. So what Haiti did since the gains of its independent???? A lot of African countries are progressing, Angola, Rwanda, Botswana economically and more than 4 west African countries have their one currency. What Haiti accomplish????
Please ignore to so called brooklyn Haitian he's a white man and you need to know after Haiti gained independence the built an monarchy system then with Simon Bolivar Haiti sent their men and women to free and gave independence Latin America then troops to Georgia to fight the British army to give birth to America their monuments are in Savanah Georgia they gave their lives something that money cannot buy please do your research and study Haiti
Not white man but AFRICA dont give a shit about HAITI after the earthquake where were the Africans it seems white people had more sympathy for us than so-called our brothers and sisters.. We are Haitians thats it and should look to do business with everyone not just these self haters
"PROGRESSING" Keyword . This is my point no need to be mad because africa cant do shit for us they cant make us any better its not like they are doing better themselves. THATS MY POINT and also no one wants to be african.. everyone black in the diaspora get disgusted if u ask them if they are africans or look africans.. Mostly Haitians had respect for u which you now will lose...
You cant talk about anyone being independent WE THE ONLY ONE to have fought for us.. THE END . Haiti didnt accomplish anything but yet you are progressing while you are dying of hunger and waiting for china to give you something !
Brooklyn Haitians, no need to hate or breed self-hate. No need to get mad. We are brothers and sisters. Haiti is part of Africa but definitely not in the capacity of an African country. I want her on board as much as you do but there are frameworks for creating larger communities - They are built from the grounds up. First, create a strong black alliance with your Caribbean neighbours, then we will all merge on a Pan-African level. Our colonial experiences have brought about some impediments or poison, some differences or kinks that can only be overcome and ironed out regionally before a global unification is attempted or possible. This is neither a rejection, nor should it be construed as such. It is simply putting the horse before the cart!
Oh please! give yourself a break. As if AU really mean much to Africa and its struggles. The only thing African about the AU is the title. I'm pretty sure this decision making is motivated by outside forces, as most of these so called African leaders do not have the destiny of Africa or their respective countries in their hands. As much whooping Africa is, and has received, the least they can do is come to solidarity with people that wants to work with them.
MHBSL, I do understand your frustration but we must seek and apply caution here! No need to get mad because we are brothers and sisters. Haiti may be part of Africa but definitely not in the capacity of an African country. I want her on board as much as you do but there are frameworks for creating larger communities - They are built from the grounds up. First, create a strong black alliance with your Caribbean neighbours, then we will all merge on a Pan-African level. Our colonial experiences have brought about some impediments or poison, some differences or kinks that can only be overcome and ironed out regionally before a global unification is attempted or possible. This is neither a rejection, nor should it be construed as such. It is simply putting the horse before the cart!
I'm not mad. Your inception was misleading. It was scribbled arrogantly. As if Haiti desperately desire to be a part of "global powerhouse (AU)." You did a great job cleaning it up. I now comprehend your sentiment.
Maybe you need to create this pan african Caribbean alliance.
I'm Haitian and don't give a shit to be consider an African. Haiti dtands on its own, we have enough proud because of that. There is no Africa, China owns Africa. Have several seats, we maybe poor on our way to being Rich. Pleae
you sound pissed off. how sad, not to have a home...i feel so lucky to be a 2nd generation african living in Europe, always able to go back home and stay around my elders and my direct blood in my land.
Bella already has a home. It's called Haiti. Our father, Jean-Jacques Dessalines with his victory at Vertières on 18 November 1803 gave us this home. We do not need Africa which sold our ancestors as slaves to the Europeans.
Bella, no need to get mad. We are brothers and sisters. Haiti is part of Africa but definitely not in the capacity of an African country. I want her on board as much as you do but there are frameworks for creating larger communities - They are built from the grounds up. First, create a strong black alliance with your Caribbean neighbours, then we will all merge on a Pan-African level. Our colonial experiences have brought about some impediments or poison, some differences or kinks that can only be overcome and ironed out regionally before a global unification is attempted or possible. This is neither a rejection, nor should it be construed as such. It is simply putting the horse before the cart!
I like this point. Ask an Haitian to name the AU countries...ask an Haitian to name capitals of the 54 countries in Africa...they dont even care.
I think Africa lost the only people who even wanted to be associated with them ask any jamaican latino if they are afro or that they look african and see how disgusted they get
Tired of Bickering, Africans must move against this neo-colonial verdict by these plantation gatekeepers disguised as leaders at the African Union. Onward with your petitions and protests, Izwe Lethu!
Doesn't sound rite to me just like America can have Hawaii,Alaska and Puerto Rico all separated from the continent the AU needs to rethink this 1
Wow !! Good point. I'm going to use it, thanks
The time has come for Afrika to stand up as the very strong ot go there we were taken Continent that it is. We in the Diaspora especially us from the Caribbean regions did not go there we were taken there. Now we want to return home WHY ARE YOU CREATING BARRIERS FOR US? We are some of the most skilled and productive people on Earth Afrika should be opening its arms to welcome us. We are an asset to the Continent. To reject Haiti's application for membership is not a positive move. It makes Afrika's leadership look whimsical and lacking of foresight Will power Care and Courage. I urge the AU decision makers to rethink the erroneous decision and welcome Haiti into the Union... Such a move will send a signal to the wider world that Afrika is the POWER AMONG POWERS...
OH well no big deal created in 1963 WHAT HAVE THEY ACCOMPLISHED?
Keep up the good work, compatriote.
excuseme, let´s not act like drama queens...not being in the AU doesnt mean you cant go back home!
I am Haitian born and home for me is Haiti, NOT Africa. Africans sold my ancestors as slaves to the Europeans.
The African Union has divided the Continent into Five Land Regions! They have also established Sixth Region! The Sixth Region is the Diaspora! Haiti is in the Diaspora! If the Diaspora is the Sixth Region then Haiti is in the African Union by default! The United African Congress is developing an initiative to Unify the the Diaspora Sixth Region! details of the initiative are not yet available for public consumption. However, for those of you who are interested please go to my Facebook page an sent me a Friend Request and an Inbox message as to who you are! My page is a News and Television Programming and Information platform!
What have they accomplished I thought they were new but just realized they were created since 1963???
I'm Haitians born and raised in Africa married African and I can tell you that is a common sentiment in Africa about black Caribbean and African-Americans. They consider blacks on the other side of the Atlantic as lost ppl a dont want be mistaken for them. A lot of Africans dont even know the slave trade story. Africans are so divided against itself why would Africans welcome their lost brothers? The Caribbean and the Haitians are not any better. Just as divded. So dont mean to be the bearer of bad news. There is No Unity. We need alot of healing and eduction. We. Criticize European but at least they have unity. That is why our countries are so poor. A village in Haiti is so similar not the same,
but very similar to Africa.
EVEN AFRICANS HATE THEIR OWN ...dont get me started with teh skin bleaching they take the cake..Ive never seen a naturally lightskin African... they look so fake with that light face and Black body
why do you think that haitians are africans? because of what you were taught? by who? the enemy? no, they would NEVER LIE. Just abuse, steal. rape, and destroy. But when it comes to history, thats pure truth and gospel. lol i cant type this with a straight face lol
I was referring to AFRICANS in AFRICA ..TRIBES AGAINST TRIBES...COUNTRIES ION AFRICA AGAINST COUNTRIES IN AFRICA ...YOU ARE american even more so lost than an african, you have shown that you definitely have no knowledge of your history so no need to waste my time with you !! and is this ZAYAN???? ok
Why are Americans Europeans ?? because of what you were taught? by who? the enemy? no, they would NEVER LIE. Just abuse, steal. rape, and destroy. But when it comes to history, thats pure truth and gospel. lol i cant type this with a straight face lol of course im blind HAITIANS ARE LIGHT SKIN BLUE EYES AND LOOK NOTHING LIKE AFRICANS/........SMART GUY ....
you can't be serious...
You are.... The dumbest negro I've read on the internet to date.
LOST PEOPLE?? most African countries just gained their independence...dont make laugh
hum... i see a lot of lost people who dont relaly know how to name the 53 countries of africa. haitians, jamaicans, dominicans, cubans....all have african origin but they know little about The African Continent.
53 countries of Africa????? really so Morrocco and Egypt , Ethiopia, Somali (horn africans) are included I thought they didn't like west africans ?? U more lost than everrrrrrr!!!!
The fact is all Africans know little about the African continent you're just one of the lucky ones who chooses to learn about the continent of Africa.
Leona Plantain, you should stop trying with these two - Lmichael Bonho and Brooklyn Haitian, they are trolls.
That is just because the school system is established by the European colonizers. Once we have more access to the internet knowledge will thrive.
Im American born and they teach us that before all this, the native americans were here first, but they came from somewhere else. Meaning, basically, out of the whole world, the americas were vacant, then the natives came, then the white man who brung blacks from africa. So there is no such thing as an indigenous american, but yet, im typing and not a native american living on a reservation. hmmmm.
I dont think I said anything about indigenous Americans. ... But in the same manner that slaves were brought to The Americas now the USA it is the same way that slaves were taken to the Carribbean Islands. The history is that the Africans that were placed on the island called Haiti fought for their freedom and managed to have the french flee. The strength was in their numbers and planning and their voodoo faith which was ancestry African rituals and so forth.
We have to me mindful that African presence were in the Americas before Europeans. "The Olmecs were the first major civilization in Mexico," facts :) The statues they left behind are carbon dated to be older than Europeans in the Americas.
I think its hilarious when we say Africans are divided amongst ourselves? We are different countries with different cultures, values and languages. What you're saying is the equivalent of saying Europeans are divided among themselves because Russia doesn't get along with England or because Germany had fought Russia and England in a war. When we say we want Africans to "unite". What exactly do we mean? Financially? territorially? Politically? I dont understand
great point. we are just black. same skin colors ands shades...but that´s all. being black is not enough to be united.
Africa is divided thats why they sold us in the diaspora to Whites and they should also be held accountable
isnt it normal that we are that united? are germans united to russians just because they are caucasians?
We talking about Africa . why are you bringing Germans and Russians into this..hah I see you look to them for validation. Just cause they do it that should justify why y'all do it too??? Hmmm I see
Lord, you are this kind of individual who would go round and round a concept and wont even try to learn something new. it´s useless to discuss with you. im sorry. you are boring. i am comparing , the unity foundations do not exist. Africans were never united. Every empire or Kingdoms had an identity, every tribal group, etc...so, unity is only possible in terms id administration, currency and other things. but not as "brothers" or in the spiritual way.
A few corrupted African leaders were to blame... not the entire continent of Africa. Most of this activity is from West Africa. Which is a small part of the African continent :) The United States of America can fit into Africa 3.08 times... Knowledge is power.
Well let me make it clear to you !!! remember the TUTSI S AND the others? were they not from same country in africa??? hah now you should get it?? But I agree how can we unite when each country in africa is fighting among itself?
yes and we remember the Germans wiping out the Pols, the Russians, french basically anyone in their way. How many times have European countries fought amongst each other? Yugoslavia wasn't so long ago either, Turks and Greeks can't stand each other, Cyprus is divided in 2. Europe is not united in the name of love, they are united in the name of profit, the minute it is no long profitable they bail out. I live in Europe so I know a thing or two about this so called unity, it's for money.
But they were united when it came to slavery? I dont know if youll ever get it ..they might fight among-st each other however when it comes to yall aka outsiders they are one .I think Africa lost the only people who even wanted to be associated with them ask any jamaican latino if they are afro or that they look african and see how disgusted they get
I am Jamaican and your statement is false. Most Jamaicans identify with African origins. There is no disgusted with the idea of Africa there is love. One of our famous artist known around the world, Bob Marley, promoted this ideology and most people in Jamaica know their true history and not that fake European story.
I disagree. Most jamaicans Identify as jamaican. Only a small majority identify as african.
admin terms and probably in currency/economic terms, just like the european union i guess.
This is soooooo right.
There is a small cabal of Americans that have power and the masses that don't are not united with them either just as the majority of blacks aren't tied to the European! It is unfair to espouse that whites are so united, they are just as divided as the rest of us, we just have a reason to, because our Spirituality has been stripped from us and without Truth, you are lost!
I like how you got straight to the point. Yes, this argument is out there. I hope it will be improved in the future. This thinking causes segregation. There is a wiser angle to look at. Pan Africa is Africa and that can not be taken away. Yes, there is a disconnect in some of the Pan African societies but that has to be faced with tolerance. Once we know history we have to have tolerance for our people near and far.
Both are deprived territorially. Thus, it might be looked at as, what changes would it bring if the lineage partnership was agreed upon? Neither territory have fate in their own hands. They are both Vassal to neocolonialism. The Clintons have major influence in Haiti, and not in a caring sense either. Africa? is as lost as ever. If anything, it might make the situation worse, as It is safe to assume western powers would apply more pressure on both parties merely to see it fail. It would have been a great idea for variety of reasons, however. The necessary proprieties for this to be successful, is lacking tremendously.
I refuse to believe that slaves brought from africa fought off the french and were able to gain control over that land. I believe those people were already there and were fighting for their own home land. Really? slaves stole an island from the people who stole the island and the other slave trading nations did not get involved and used their firepower, man power, and slaves to take that land back? Really? Or have you never really thought about it?
SORRY but HAITI IS THE FIRST NATION TO GAIN ITS INDEPENDENCE But you didn't white people gave you yours!!! White people will also let you know that although they hated our guts for it ..
so i have no culture as well? you sound like a hater.
I know you Angry but The African Americans fought for a lot of the stuff We enjoy today in America. Trust and believe. The right to drink from the same fountain, go to the same schools, to vote, sit anywhere on a bus, and alot more. So don't insult a whole group of ppl because of just a few who do not know the history. Still fighting...You see it in the news.
Right. The simple fact that Brooklyn Haitian is here (if they are posting from the U.S.) is a testament to the work of blacks in America. Our work benefits many minorities who come here. At one point in our recent history most minorities were legally banned from living in certain neighborhoods and working certain jobs.
Before you go spouting off about African Americans -- which you obviously know little about. realize that the person signed on as "an African negro" is probably a white person. We call them Trolls. But you just put yourself out there.
The history of blacks in America is as rich as any other group of afro descendants in the diaspora. But go ahead and keep taling.
Don't let the name Brooklyn Haitian fools you he's not even Black
and nu so BLACK begging your brothers and sisters to accept you while they are welcoming arabs....yeah keep pumping that delusional fist
Just google stuff or go to a library and get some books. Haitians are a little mixed but predominantly desendents of Africans who were sold or stolen into slavery. That is why they look alike similar features and stuff. They had power in numbers and the drive to be free. American Negro fought too on this American land. The Harriet Tubman, rosa parks, malcolm x, MLK, and many more that died. Read up you will be surprise about how we are more similar than different.
The point is a proverbial African Union is denying an African country membership, there is something amiss in this denial and at its core it is causing separation, not unity!
Well son you are in denial, because the people indigenous to what is now called Haiti were the Taino/ Arawak speaking people. Haitians are Africans
the thing is..once they accept Haiti.. they'll have to accept every other black nation in the Americas.. it doesn't matter.. first we need unity of the black people of the Americas.. and then we can join forces..
this is right.
This is right.