The Ambassador of the Republic of Haiti to South Africa, H.E. Jean Pillard, paid a courtesy visit to the President of the Pan-African Parliament, H.E. Fateh Boutbig, in Midrand, where the two leaders held high-level discussions on strengthening Haiti’s engagement with Africa through parliamentary diplomacy, historical remembrance and strategic cooperation.

The meeting underscored the enduring historical relationship between Haiti and Africa while laying the foundation for closer collaboration between Haiti and the Pan-African Parliament in support of the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the broader vision of Pan-African unity.

Ambassador Jean Pillard: “My Mission Here Is Not a Job”

During the meeting, Ambassador Pillard described his diplomatic assignment as a historic mission rather than a conventional posting.

“My mission here is not a job. I’m here on a mission. My mission as the Ambassador for Haiti is to write the next chapter of history, and we would like to include the whole African continent in that next chapter.”

Reflecting on Haiti’s unique place in global history, the Ambassador noted that Haiti has long stood as a symbol of freedom and liberation, becoming the first independent Black republic following the successful Haitian Revolution.

He expressed Haiti’s desire to strengthen its institutional engagement with Africa and sought guidance from the Pan-African Parliament on how the Caribbean nation could play a more active role in continental affairs.

Ambassador Pillard also praised the African Union’s Agenda 2063, describing it as an ambitious blueprint for a united, peaceful and prosperous Africa, while expressing Haiti’s willingness to contribute to its long-term aspirations.

Pan-African Parliament Reaffirms Commitment to Haiti

President H.E. Fateh Boutbig warmly welcomed Ambassador Pillard and commended his vision of strengthening relations between Haiti and Africa.

He described Haiti as a country with which Africa shares profound historical, cultural and political ties, founded on solidarity, mutual respect and a shared struggle for freedom and human dignity.

President Boutbig emphasised that, amid today’s shifting global geopolitical landscape, Africa must continue building partnerships with nations that share its values and aspirations.

He noted that the Pan-African Parliament serves as the parliamentary voice of the African continent, bringing together parliamentarians, former ministers, traditional leaders and political representatives to advance policies that improve the lives of African citizens while supporting the African Union’s integration agenda.

Parliamentary Diplomacy as a Bridge Between Haiti and Africa

A central theme of the meeting was the importance of parliamentary diplomacy in complementing traditional state-to-state relations.

The two leaders explored opportunities for collaboration in several strategic sectors, including:

• Parliamentary diplomacy
• Human rights
• Agriculture and food security
• Education
• Science and innovation
• Health
• Energy
• Institutional cooperation
• Cultural exchanges
• Capacity building

President Boutbig encouraged Haiti to facilitate official visits by the Speaker of the Haitian Parliament, parliamentary delegations, government leaders and technical experts to the Pan-African Parliament, noting that such exchanges would strengthen dialogue and create lasting partnerships between African and Haitian institutions.

Haiti Announces Plans for Historic Pan-African Memorial

One of the meeting’s most significant moments came when Ambassador Pillard unveiled Haiti’s plans to commemorate two defining milestones in the country’s history.

The first is the anniversary of the 1791 Slave Insurrection, to be observed on 14–15 August, marking the moment enslaved Africans in Saint-Domingue rose against colonial oppression and ignited the revolution that changed world history.

The second is the 224th anniversary of the Battle of Vertières, which will be commemorated on 18 November. The battle marked the decisive victory of Haitian revolutionaries over Napoleon Bonaparte’s forces and paved the way for Haiti’s independence as the world’s first Black republic.

“Lòt Bò Dlo” – The Other Side of the Water

Sharing the inspiration behind the initiative, Ambassador Pillard recounted the meaning of the traditional Haitian expression “Lòt Bò Dlo,” which translates as “The Other Side of the Water.”

He explained that generations of enslaved Africans in Haiti sang about Lòt Bò Dlo as a remembrance of their ancestral homeland across the Atlantic Ocean. Although they knew they would never physically return to Africa during their lifetime, they believed that one day their spirits would make the journey home.

For Ambassador Pillard, the proposed monument represents that symbolic homecoming.

He explained that it will honour not only those who perished during the Middle Passage and generations who suffered under slavery, but also the more than 300,000 Haitians who lost their lives in the 2010 earthquake, symbolising their spiritual return to the African continent.

“This initiative is not simply about Haiti,” Ambassador Pillard said. “It is about unity. It is about remembering where we came from and recognising that Africa and Haiti share one history, one heritage and one future.”

He invited the Pan-African Parliament to become an active partner in the initiative, describing it as a continental project of remembrance that belongs to all Africans and the African diaspora.

Invitation to Address the Pan-African Parliament

President Boutbig welcomed the proposal and invited Ambassador Pillard to become actively involved in the work of the Pan-African Parliament.

When Ambassador Pillard expressed his eagerness to begin participating immediately, President Boutbig confirmed that the Ambassador would be invited to attend the Parliament’s November Ordinary Session as one of its Guests of Honour.

The President further indicated that the Parliament’s Secretariat would coordinate the Ambassador’s participation and provide an opportunity for him to address Members of the Pan-African Parliament on a subject of mutual interest.

Strengthening Haiti–Africa Relations

The courtesy visit marked an important milestone in advancing relations between Haiti and the African continent.

Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening parliamentary diplomacy, expanding institutional partnerships and promoting initiatives that preserve the shared history linking Africa and its diaspora.

As Haiti prepares to commemorate the anniversaries of the 1791 Slave Insurrection and the Battle of Vertières, the meeting reflected a shared determination to build stronger bridges between Haiti and Africa while advancing the ideals of unity, freedom, solidarity and sustainable development envisioned under the African Union’s Agenda 2063.

Through the spirit of Lòt Bò Dlo—The Other Side of the Water—the meeting reflected a shared commitment to reconnecting Africa with its diaspora, honouring the sacrifices of past generations and building a future founded on unity, solidarity and collective progress.