Haiti’s history is a tragic tale of betrayal—of a people who fought for freedom, only to be repeatedly stabbed in the back by their own leaders and foreign powers. From the revolution of 1804 to today’s political chaos, Haiti has suffered under the rule of traitors who sold out their own nation for power, money, or foreign approval. These backstabbers have left deep scars on the country, ensuring that Haiti remains trapped in poverty, violence, and instability.
1. The French: The First Betrayal
After Haiti won its independence in 1804, France refused to accept the loss of its richest colony. In 1825, under the threat of invasion, France forced Haiti to pay an indemnity of 150 million francs (later reduced to 90 million) for the “crime” of freeing itself from slavery. This debt, which took Haiti over a century to repay, crippled the nation’s economy before it even had a chance to develop. France never repaid this blood money, and to this day, it refuses to acknowledge its role in Haiti’s underdevelopment. This was the first great betrayal, setting the stage for over 200 years of exploitation.
2. The United States: Occupation and Puppet Governments
In 1915, the U.S. invaded Haiti under the pretext of “restoring order,” but its true motives were economic and strategic control. The U.S. occupation (1915–1934) was brutal—thousands of Haitians were killed, the national bank was taken over, and Haiti’s constitution was rewritten to allow foreign land ownership. The U.S. installed puppet presidents, trained the Haitian military to suppress dissent, and left behind a legacy of dictatorship.
Even after the occupation, the U.S. continued to prop up corrupt and brutal leaders like François Duvalier (“Papa Doc”) and his son Jean-Claude (“Baby Doc”) because they were anti-communist allies. Later, the U.S. supported questionable elections and interventions, including the 2004 removal of Jean-Bertrand Aristide, a leader who, despite his flaws, was democratically elected. The U.S. claims to be Haiti’s “friend,” but its actions have often deepened Haiti’s suffering.
3. The Haitian Elite: Selling Out Their Own People
The biggest backstabbers are often those closest to home. Haiti’s wealthy elite—a small group of families who control businesses, politics, and the economy—have consistently prioritized their own interests over the nation’s survival. They have:
- Financed coups against leaders who threatened their power.
- Exploited the poor by hoarding wealth while most Haitians starve.
- Collaborated with foreign powers to keep Haiti weak and dependent.
During the Duvalier dictatorship, the elite class benefited from repression, while the masses suffered. Today, many of these same families fund armed gangs to destabilize the country, ensuring that no real change can happen.
4. The United Nations: “Help” That Made Things Worse
After the 2004 coup, the UN sent a “peacekeeping” mission (MINUSTAH) that brought cholera, killed civilians, and committed sexual abuses. Instead of stabilizing Haiti, the UN made things worse. The cholera outbreak alone killed over 10,000 Haitians, and the UN refused to take full responsibility for years.
In recent years, the UN and other international bodies have pushed for foreign-led solutions that ignore Haitian voices. The proposed Kenya-led security mission is just the latest example of outsiders deciding Haiti’s fate—without Haitians’ consent.
5. The Politicians: Empty Promises and Theft
Haiti’s politicians have perfected the art of betrayal. Leaders like Michel Martelly, Jovenel Moïse, and Ariel Henry have promised progress but delivered corruption, violence, and more misery. Billions in foreign aid have disappeared, while politicians live in luxury.
The 2021 assassination of Jovenel Moïse exposed how deep the betrayal goes—foreign mercenaries, local politicians, and business elites were all implicated. Yet, no real justice has been served.
Conclusion: Who Really Betrayed Haiti?
Haiti’s greatest enemies have not just been foreign powers—but the Haitians who sold out their own people for power and money. From the French theft of independence, to U.S. interventions, to the greed of the elite and the incompetence of politicians, Haiti has been betrayed at every turn.
Until Haitians can hold their leaders accountable, reject foreign manipulation, and rebuild their nation from within, the cycle of backstabbing will continue. Haiti deserves better—it deserves leaders who truly fight for its people, not their own pockets.
