Henry, who addressed the nation on the occasion of the 219th anniversary of the creation of the Haitian flag, stressed that it is time to set aside the disunity that undermines the national stability.

“It is imperative to strengthen the framework of permanent, institutional, inclusive talk among Haitians, with a view to sharing the ideals of coexistence, common good, love for this land that is so dear to us and from which we have the duty to rebuild together,” he said during the ceremony in Archahaie, known as the city of independence.

Dessalines tore up the tricolor French flag, a symbol of the colonial power, 219 years ago, while Catherine Flon joined the red and blue stripes, to form the new flag.

“The flag is a symbol of unity. It should help us stand together, move forward together and succeed together. The future of our children and the development of our country depend on cooperation,” he said.

The commemoration comes as the country is going through an unprecedented political and security crisis, which intensified since mid-2021, especially after the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in July.

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