Minister Forbin makes an indecent gesture during a videoconference meeting

Foreign Affairs Minister Raina Forbin committed a breach of protocol on Tuesday, October 27, during a videoconference meeting with the heads of Haiti's diplomatic missions abroad. According to Rezo Nòdwès, the minister picked up her meal tray and ate while the people she was meeting with were talking.

Her behavior drew indignant reactions from the diplomats present and highlights once again Ms. Forbin's inability to manage Haitian diplomacy effectively. Since taking office in March 2026, she has been accused of piling up diplomatic and protocol errors.

Hervé Noël, a well-informed observer, denounced these failings in an email sent to Rezo Nòdwès. He stresses that the current state of Haitian diplomacy is deeply worrying and that it will take a great deal of effort to right the ship.

Diplomatic context

The October 27 videoconference was meant to be a crucial occasion to discuss the challenges facing Haiti's diplomatic missions abroad. However, Ms. Forbin's inappropriate behavior tarnished the occasion.

Consequences

The minister's gesture was seen by participants as a glaring lack of respect and professionalism. Some diplomats voiced their frustration and shame over the incident, which illustrates the current decline of Haitian diplomacy.