Who is Francois Nicolas Duvalier?

Francois Nicolas Duvalier was once Haiti's president for life. Elected president in 1957, he ruled the country for 14 years. His nickname was "Papa Doc," and his rule resulted in the deaths of more than 30,000 people. Haitians remember his rule as one of terror.

Duvalier served as the Minister of Health and Labour before a coupe ousted the ruling regime. After realigning with the rebels, Duvalier won the election for president with the help of the military, running as a populist on a black nationalist platform. Upon his death in 1971, his son Jean-Claude Duvalier, nicknamed “Baby Doc" succeeded him as president for life.