The surprise return of ex-Haitian dictator Jean-Claude Duvalier to his native homeland Haiti after 25 years of exile has political observers perplexed over his motive for returning to a country mired in political crisis and in a state of ruins from last year’s devastating earthquake. Haiti is also struggling to contain a cholera epidemic that has killed thousands.
Duvalier arrived in Haiti on Sunday from France, where he had been living most of his time in exile. The 59-year-old former dictator was last seen on Haitian soil Feb. 7, 1986 en route to the airport with his wife to take his fated flight into exile. He was whisked out of the country aboard a US military aircraft after being overthrown in a popular uprising.
Former Dictator Returns to Haiti to Help Rebuild Country or Engage in Politics?
Some observers are speculating that the former Haitian strongman returned to the impoverished Caribbean nation because of political ambitions. His return occurred on the same day that Haiti canceled a presidential runoff election to choose a successor to outgoing President Rene Preval. According to Radio France International, Duvalier landed at Port-au-Prince airport on Sunday, where he told reporters: "I've come to help."
Duvalier’s return also coincided with the one-year anniversary of the country’s deadly earthquake. Is it possible that Duvalier may have returned to Haiti only to offer “humanitarian” help and not get involved in the country’s politics? Or is Duvalier jockeying for position to fill a political vacuum amid the election chaos?
Duvalier Ruled Haiti for 15 Years With an Iron Fist Amid Charges of Corruption
Duvalier ruled Haiti for 15 years with an iron fist amid charges of rampant corruption. He became president at the age of 19 in 1971 following the death of his father Francois Duvalier (nicknamed “Papa Doc.”) The younger Duvalier would be nicknamed “Baby Doc.” His father was a doctor before becoming president of Haiti in 1957. “Papa Doc” referred to himself as “president-for-life” and brutally cracked down on dissent and political opposition.
“Baby Doc” Duvalier, following in the footsteps of his father, presided over Haiti in a similar brutal fashion while the country was plagued with poverty and misery. He was accused of looting millions of dollars from Haiti. Duvalier has denied allegations of embezzlement.
It remains to be seen exactly why Duvalier returned to his homeland and whether the Haitian people will forgive and forget his dark past and allow him to help rebuild their country.
SOURCES:
Radio France International - January 17, 2011
Gary Raynaldo - I am a writer with more than 25 years of working experience as a journalist and editor for several newspapers and wire services in the ...
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