During a press conference on April 7, 2003, Haitian President Jean-Bertrand Aristide officially demanded that France pay $21 billion in reparations as compensation for the debt imposed on Haiti following its independence in 1804. This debt arose after Haiti became the first nation to successfully overthrow colonial rule and establish a government run by former slaves. France insisted that Haiti pay reparations, which Aristide argued was not only against the principles of justice but also had dire effects on Haiti's economic development in the subsequent centuries. The figure of $21 billion represented the estimated total of payments made to France in the 19th century, which continued to burden the Haitian economy long after the original debt was declared settled.

The historical context of this claim is essential to understanding the impact of colonialism on Haiti. After gaining independence, Haiti was subjected to a strict international blockade and extreme economic penalties that inhibited its ability to develop. The subsequent financial obligations to France drained resources from the fledgling nation, which Aristide highlighted as a cornerstone of Haiti's continued economic struggles. During the press conference, Aristide emphasized that this demand was not merely about financial reparations but also a call for acknowledgment of and accountability for historical injustices. The international community's reaction was mixed, with some supporting the call for reparations while others dismissed it as unrealistic.