Haiti Reconciliation: Aristide Confirms Cédras as Friend on Facebook

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti – In a further sign of progress towards national unity, former President Jean-Bertrand Aristide has accepted ex-military ruler Raoul Cédras’s request to add him as a friend on Facebook.

The news came as a complete shock to Haitians everywhere and the international community, considering the well publicized falling-out between the two men. Aristide admitted that he confirmed Cédras, the man who overthrew him in a 1991 US-backed coup, as a friend on the popular social networking site for the sake of national reconciliation.

“Look, after what that little weasel did to me, I realize I have every right to deny his friend request,” said Aristide. “But, this is not about me. This is about my country. And right now, my country needs me.”

Aristide revealed that he received an email notification about Cedras’ friend request months ago, but ignored it. He credited President Michel Martelly’s recent visit to his private residence, a gesture that deeply moved him, with changing his mind.

“President Martelly’s action was very inspirational. He showed all of us that we must put the past behind us, come together and move our beloved country forward,” said Aristide. “After the meeting, I went straight to the computer, logged in, and clicked ‘Confirm.’”

While both men agreed to take the renewed friendship “day by day,” there are already encouraging signs of an increased sense of camaraderie as evidenced by recent posts on their profile pages. A few hours after the confirmation, an apologetic Cedras wrote: ‘So sorry about the coup. The U.S. made me do it.’ Another message from Aristide read: ‘Heard you might return to Haiti. Let me know if you need a temporary place to stay.’

While the Martelly administration welcomed the announcement by the former leaders to mend their long-standing rifts, they conceded there is much more work to be done before real national reconciliation is fully achieved.

Officials said they are hopeful other citizens will follow suit and put their hostility toward each other behind them, including among them former President Leslie Manigat and General Henri Namphy, former President Prosper Avril and Henri Namphy, and musicians Wyclef Jean and Pras Michel.