Mr. André François GIROUX

Ambassador of Canada to Haiti

Subject: Note of protest and request for SANCTION retraction.-

Mr. Ambassador,

I am Mr. Jeantel JOSEPH, Attorney at the Mirebalais Bar, member of the Federation of Bars of the Republic of Haiti, politician, former Secretary of State for Public Security, former Director General of the National Agency for Protected Areas (ANAP) and current Leader of the Haitian Plural Opposition, owner, residing and domiciled in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Indeed, I am writing to you, under cover of this letter, this note of protest and request for retraction of the note concerning me, published by your country, Canada, via the official website of your embassy (Global Affairs Canada, media@international.gc.ca) on March 21, 2025.

Mr. Ambassador, the content of this note, in the absence of any clear evidence or justification, constitutes a very serious slander against me, my reputation, and that of my family, and irreversibly damages my honor. According to my initial understanding, your country has accused me, without any basis, of having supposedly contributed to the phenomenon of insecurity in Haiti, when I am the first of the victims, having had to abandon my home to seek refuge with a friend.

This meaningless accusation, as serious as it is unsubstantiated, appears to be based solely on unfounded presumptions, and this in a specific political context of widespread protest against a power imposed by force of circumstances, thus illegitimate and unpopular, which, after more than a year in office, has not even managed to initiate the projects related to the restoration of state authority, the return to constitutional order, and socio-economic calm, despite the immeasurable contributions of society and the opposition in question.

I would like to remind you, Mr. Ambassador, that my civic conviction and my political commitment to democracy, justice, and the defense of human rights in Haiti have never been associated with criminal activities or violent organizations. As leader of the opposition, I have always advocated for the peaceful resolution of political conflicts and for respect for democratic principles. Thus, any contrary insinuation is not only unfair, but also dangerous, because it can be interpreted as an attempt to discredit a major political actor in the context of the imposition on the country of a collegiate regime known as the CPT, unpopular, illegitimate and unconcerned with the suffering of the Haitian people.

I am particularly concerned by the non-transparent and prejudicial nature of this measure, which, to date, has not been accompanied by any evidence or explanation. Such a move risks creating dangerous confusion, not only among Haitian citizens, but also in the international world, thus undermining diplomatic relations and the integrity of Haitian political institutions.

This distressing accusation, made without any evidence and based solely on unverified presumptions and conjectures, appears to be an attempt, if not a strategy, to discredit a prominent politician who disagrees with the chaotic policy choices imposed on Haiti by international actors. The publication of this note, without any concrete justification and in a context where the opposition plays a decisive role through the “On the Road to the Court of Cassation” initiative, constitutes not only an act of irreparable injustice, but also a serious precedent that could be interpreted as an attempt to intimidate those who oppose the political choices ordered by the international community against the Haitian people. It is our duty to protect freedom of expression, democracy, and the right of Haitians to decide their political future without unjustified external interference in any form whatsoever.

I am convinced that my determination to defend my country, Haiti, and its sovereignty as a nation that pioneered freedom and human dignity cannot be unanimously supported nationally and internationally. It is a choice imposed by my ancestors, murdered during more than three hundred (300) years of slavery, oppression, and injustice of all kinds. Therefore, I am committed to my fight for scrupulous respect for democratic principles, human dignity, the struggle to defend the rule of law, social justice, political independence, and national sovereignty.

Mr. Ambassador, I strongly protest and therefore reject out of hand the entire accusation, in its form and content, contained in this note from the Canadian Embassy, ​​as being mendacious, false, unfair and prejudicial. I affirm to you that it is materially impossible for your government to prove any involvement of me, Jeantel JOSEPH, with the said violent groups in Haiti, either directly or indirectly through: calls, meetings, messages, links, contacts or other means, which could aggravate the security situation in Haiti.

I am convinced that my determination to defend my country, Haiti, and its sovereignty as a nation that pioneered freedom and human dignity cannot be unanimously supported nationally and internationally. It is a choice imposed by my ancestors, murdered during more than three hundred (300) years of slavery, oppression, and injustice of all kinds. Therefore, I am committed to my fight for scrupulous respect for democratic principles, human dignity, the struggle to defend the rule of law, social justice, political independence, and national sovereignty.

This is why I have dedicated myself, body and soul, alongside the agents of the Protected Areas Surveillance Brigade (BSAP), to the construction of the Ouanaminthe Canal, known as the channel of sovereignty and dignity for the Haitian people, despite similar threats and intimidation. 

Mr. Ambassador, I strongly protest and therefore reject out of hand the entire accusation, in its form and content, contained in this note from the Canadian Embassy, ​​as being mendacious, false, unfair and prejudicial. I affirm to you that it is materially impossible for your government to prove any involvement of me, Jeantel JOSEPH, with the said violent groups in Haiti, either directly or indirectly through: calls, meetings, messages, links, contacts or other means, which could aggravate the security situation in Haiti.

I therefore formally request that you:

1. Immediately provide clear and detailed explanations from the Canadian authorities regarding the reasons for these spurious sanctions, as well as the presentation of the evidence on which they are based.

2. Publicly retract the unjust statement made against me, my honor, and my family.

3. Respect the principles of international law and Haiti’s sovereignty. It is essential that international actors act in strict compliance with our country’s democratic principles and internal political processes.

We emphasize that such a public statement, without adequate explanation, risks exacerbating the current political situation in Haiti, where tensions are already high. It could also incite unnecessary divisions and conflicts within our society.

I hope that you will understand the gravity of this situation and take the necessary steps to rectify this obvious error as soon as possible. Please accept, Mr. Ambassador of Canada, the expression of my distinguished greetings.