Paris, 10 August 2025.- After being banned from entering the United States, Mr. André Michel continued his journey to France, where his presence aroused intense controversy. Members of the Haitian diaspora living in Paris accuse of being one of the political figures that aggravated the crisis in Haiti and strongly denounce its presence in Europe.
Videos widely broadcast on social networks show Haitian demonstrators gathered in the streets of Paris, expressing their anger. Through slogans and signs, they cast doubt on the fact that a political actor such as André Michel can stay comfortably abroad, while the majority of Haitians live in fear, poverty and instability.
The protesters referred to inflammatory statements attributed to André Michel in 2021, where he would have said he preferred to see Haiti sink rather than recognize Jovenel Moïse as president. In their view, these statements are sufficient to disqualify his presence in a democratic territory.
In reaction, several Haitian associations based in France have reportedly sent official requests to the French and European authorities, requesting that Mr André Michel be declared persona non grata in the Schengen area.
Furthermore, it should be noted that in Haiti, André Michel has been repeatedly the victim of insults, both verbal and physical. Some Haitians accuse of the same facts and also of having taken advantage of the country's political chaos to enrich themselves.
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