biography
| name: |
Duvalier, François
|
| |
known as Papa Doc
|
pronunciation:
[doovalyay]
| sex:
| male
|
| lived:
| (1907–71)
|
| biography:
| Haitian politician and president (1957–71), born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. He trained as a doctor (which gave him his byname) at the University of Haiti, where he worked until 1943. He became director of the National Public Health Service (1946) and minister of health and labour (1948). He organized opposition to the military government of Paul Magloire (1950–6), promoted black nationalism, and was elected president. He held power from 1957 until his death, ruling in an increasingly arbitrary fashion. His regime saw the creation of the dreaded civilian militia known as the Tonton Macoute, and the exile of many people. He became president for life in 1964, and was succeeded in this post by his son, Jean-Claude. |
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