Former Haitian dictator Jean-Claude "Baby Doc" Duvalier returned Sunday to Haiti after nearly 25 years in exile, a surprising and perplexing move that comes as his country struggles with a political crisis and the stalled effort to recover from last year's devastating earthquake.
Duvalier, wearing a dark suit and tie, arrived on an Air France jet to hugs from supporters at the Port-au-Prince airport. He was calm as he was led into the immigration office. He left the airport without making a statement to journalists, waving to a crowd of more than 200 supporters as he got into an SUV.
"He is happy to be back in this country, back in his home," said Mona Beruaveau, a candidate for Senate in a Duvalierist party who spoke to the former dictator inside the immigration office. "He is tired after a long trip."
Beruaveau said he would give a news conference on Monday.
Pray for Haiti.
H/T to Mark Harris at Preludium, and please read Mark's post.
Can the Ton-Ton mecoute be far behind?
ReplyDeleteFred, I fervantly hope not. Those were ugly days for Haiti.
ReplyDeleteI ask the same question I asked at Mark's place: Why wasn't he arrested as he got off the plane?!
ReplyDeleteJCF, I don't know.
ReplyDeleteNot good
ReplyDeleteIt is very simple.
ReplyDeletePreval does not want to go into exile.
He has made a deal that he can stay in the country...
That he was not in handcuffs makes me very ill.
ReplyDeleteIt's as if he's won the Paris lottery - he's only there for the aid $$$.
Anonymous, we shall see.
ReplyDelete...he's only there for the aid $$$.
JayV, I fear you may be right.