Published 27 September 2024 at 08.57
Foreign. Edgard Leblanc Fils, president of Haiti's ruling Transitional Council, makes headlines after an unexpected water-related mishap at an appearance before the UN General Assembly in New York .
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During his speech, which addressed gang violence in Haiti, «racism» and migration, Edgard Leblanc Fils tried to drink directly from a water carafe instead of using a glass.
This led to him spilling water over his costume.
The incident was caught on video and quickly went viral on social media.
In his speech, the Haitian leader also addressed allegedly false claims that have been spread about Haitian immigrants, particularly the who lives in Springfield in Ohio in the United States. US presidential candidate Donald Trump claimed during a September 10 debate that Haitian residents of Springfield had eaten dogs and cats, something Fils condemned. He also expressed concern that this could lead to serious consequences for Haitian immigrants in the United States.
Trump is accused of fueling prejudices that Haitians are primitive and of low intelligence.
Fils also thanked Haiti's international friends for their support and stressed the importance of countering xenophobia and racism. He pointed out that the United States, as a country «built by immigrants», should be a model for democracy and not allow hatred to spread during election campaigns.