Why Haiti is Important: Beyond the Call for Support

The independent, though exhaustive, life of Haiti completes the story of the African state. First in history, deepest in contemporary politics and natural disasters.

Haiti’s Deepest Impact: Beyond Sheer Philantropism

The natural calamity in Haiti is disasterous not only for the Haitians but also for Africa and all black people wherever they are. It is a catastrophe beyond imagination that drives all human beings, particularly Africans to the highest levels of human compassion and solidarity. Meanwhile, this is a tragedy that compels Africanists to reflect on the long struggle for freedom and independence in Haiti in late 18th century and what it means for the African continent. History is often ruthless. Historically, many developments took place in Haiti that matter to Africa. What happens in Haiti should not be felt to Haiti alone. Not incidentally, Haiti is a question of African historical significance. The independent, though exhaustive, life of Haiti completes the story of the African state. First in history, deepest in contemporary politics and natural disasters. Haiti is of regional and international moral and psychological significance. Inescapably, one can see some historical parallel with my own country Ethiopia.

The historical weight of Ethiopia cannot be overstated. Haiti became a beacon of independence and dignity to the blacks in the Caribean, as Ethiopia was to black people all over the world.Understandably, Haiti left its deepest impact in areas where white domination of blacks was most extreme. This association brings to mind the level of attention given by African countries to the earthquake in Haiti.The current analyst believes that the support provided by Africa to the disaster-ridden Haiti is less emotional and hardly impressive, and calls for a robust African solidarity and support to the proud nation of Haiti in its hour of distress. Together with Haitians, we must all confront and check the potential failure of the state.Haiti is on the verge of coming apart. Haiti is a telling commentary of the unfortunate course and nature of the African state: for decades Haiti was made to be weak, and now there is an incessant cry that the Haitian state can not cope up with the disaster. A slogan close to my heart, which is also relevant to the current challenges faced by African states, is therefore that Haiti should not die; Haiti must not die.

The currentanalyst.com extends its profoundest condolences and love to the tens of thousands of mothers, fathers, brothers and sisters of the victims of the recent earthquake in Haiti. Deepest sympathies to the proud people of Haiti.