Nation used to trial and tribulation

THE devastating earthquake is another grim chapter in the history of a troubled nation that has endured murderous dictators, natural disasters and economic turmoil.
By The Newsroom
Published 14th Jan 2010, 09:26 BST
Updated 14th Jan 2010, 09:26 BST

Haiti's people are the poorest in the Americas, and the country is totally dependent on foreign aid for its survival. Its 206-year history has seen it hit by a series of earthquakes, hurricanes, and at least one tsunami.

But its political history has been equally turbulent, with more than 30 coups since it was born in 1804 out of a slave rebellion against French control.

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Its most notorious chapter began in 1957 when Francois "Papa Doc" Duvalier rose to power, launching a 29-year dynasty of terror. Tens of thousands were killed under Duvalier and his son, Jean-Claude "Baby Doc" Duvalier, who ruled brutally via their notorious secret police, the Ton Ton Macoute.

It was not until 1990 it had its first democratically elected president: Jean-Bertrand Aristide, a slum priest who inspired the poor majority. But Aristide was overthrown in 1991.

President Bill Clinton sent 20,000 US troops to Haiti in 1994 to restore Aristide, who was re-elected in 2000. But his initial popularity collapsed and a bloody rebellion removed him in 2004.

Two years ago, President Rene Preval implored the world to commit to long-term solutions for his nation.

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