Overview

In 1957, François Duvalier was elected president. Initially popular, his administration evolved into a brutal dictatorship, supported by a private militia known as the Tontons Macoutes, who terrorized the population and political opponents. Duvalier cultivated a personality cult, associating himself with Baron Samedi, a spirit within Haitian Vodou. In 1964, Duvalier declared himself “President for […]