On May 18, Haiti celebrated the 223rd anniversary of the Haitian national flag in Cotonou, as well as the official reopening of its Embassy in Benin.

To the sound of the Beninese and Haitian national anthems, performed by clarinetist Landry Padonou and singer Ayam Sèdjro, the two flags flew side by side, symbolizing the strengthening of historical, diplomatic, cultural, and scientific ties between the two nations.

Under the banner of revolutionary memory, fraternity, and intercultural dialogue, the ceremony brought together numerous diplomatic, institutional, traditional, and cultural figures, including representatives from the diplomatic missions of France, Cuba, the United States, Japan, the Kingdom of Morocco, the European Union, the Russian Federation, the United Nations, the Apostolic Nunciature, and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Also present were municipal authorities, representatives of the Haitian community in Benin, partners and friends of the Embassy, ​​and media professionals.

The ceremony was also marked by the presence of several crowned authorities from Benin, testifying to the depth of the historical and spiritual ties uniting Haiti and Benin.

Speaking on behalf of the sovereigns present, His Majesty Guidimadjèdjè, King of Porto-Novo, declared, “Haitians are Beninese and Beninese are Haitians,” before offering prayers for peace and prosperity for the Haitian people.

In her address, Dominique Brutus, Chargé d’affaires a.i. of the Embassy of Haiti in Benin, emphasized that this reopening reflects the Haitian authorities’ commitment to strengthening Haiti’s diplomatic presence on the African continent and consolidating historical ties with African peoples and the Caribbean diaspora. She also recalled the historical significance of May 18, the date of the creation of the Haitian flag in 1803.

Marius Loko, Director General of External Relations of Benin and Head of the Beninese delegation, welcomed this new dynamic in relations between the two countries and reaffirmed their shared commitment to strengthening cultural, educational, and scientific cooperation.

The celebration concluded in a fraternal and convivial atmosphere, punctuated by artistic and cultural performances, notably a slam poetry performance by Beninese slam poet Amagbégnon Eklou, highlighting Vodou heritage as a link between the peoples of the Gulf of Guinea and those of the Caribbean, particularly Haiti.

This official reopening ceremony of the Embassy ended with a moment of sharing among the guests, symbolically sealing the friendship, solidarity, and cooperation between Benin and Haiti.

HL/ HaitiLibre