Former dictator Duvalier returns to Haiti

    Haiti’s former dictator Jean-Claude “Baby Doc” Duvalier walked through the lobby of the posh Karibe Hotel Sunday night surrounded by security men and news photographers.

    Duvalier didn’t speak.

    Baby Doc’s arrival in the country from decades of exile in France surprised everyone. And could create more uncertainty in a country facing a potential power vacuum, after recently disputed elections..

    An announcement on the elections to replace current President Rene Preval is expected this week.

    • WHYY thanks our sponsors — become a WHYY sponsor

    Along the road from the countryside into Port-au-Prince, residents huddled around televisions and radios. Several check-points were set up in the capitol city, where both police and U-N forces patrolled the streets.

    The 59-year-old Duvalier fled the country 25 years ago, after a popular uprising. He has been living in exile ever since. It’s unclear why he has returned.

    WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Please give today.

    Want a digest of WHYY’s programs, events & stories? Sign up for our weekly newsletter.

    Together we can reach 100% of WHYY’s fiscal year goal