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Haiti

Caribbean country with tumultuous history

Haiti, located on Hispaniola, was colonized by Spain and France. It gained independence through a slave revolt in 1804. The country faced political instability, foreign occupation, and autocratic rule. Haiti has struggled with economic challenges, natural disasters, and social unrest, leading to its current status as a failed state with the lowest Human Development Index in the Americas.

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Timeline

Vodou Ceremony at Bois Caïman

A vodou ceremony at Bois Caïman near Cap-Français, presided over by a houngan named Dutty Boukman, is traditionally considered to mark the beginning of the Haitian Revolution. Following this ceremony, slaves in the northern region of the colony staged a revolt, leading to the rapid spread of the rebellion throughout the entire colony.

Proclamation of the Freedom of Slaves

Sonthonax proclaimed the freedom of the slaves in the north province of Saint-Domingue, with severe limits on their freedom. Emancipation was later extended throughout the entire colony in September and October 1793.

Toussaint Louverture leads successful revolt

Former slave Toussaint Louverture leads a successful revolt and abolishes slavery in Haiti.

Haiti Proclaimed an Independent Nation

On 1 January 1804, Dessalines proclaimed Haiti an independent nation.

Haitian Independence Day

Haiti declared independence from France on January 1, 1804, becoming the first independent nation in Latin America.

Decree Ordering Death of Whites in Haiti

On 22 February 1804, Dessalines signed a decree ordering that all whites in all cities should be put to death using silent weapons such as knives and bayonets.

Dessalines Proclaimed Himself Emperor Jacques I

On 22 September 1804, Dessalines proclaimed himself Emperor Jacques I.

Assassination of Emperor Jacques I

Emperor Jacques I was ambushed and assassinated on 17 October 1806 en route to battle rebels to his regime.

French Demands for Indemnity from Haiti

In 1825, the French demanded an indemnity of 150 million francs from Haiti in exchange for diplomatic recognition, leading to economic struggles for the new nation.

United States invades Haiti

United States invades Haiti in 1915, withdrawing in 1943 but keeping financial control and political influence.

Sténio Vincent Elected President

In 1930, Sténio Vincent, a long-time critic of the occupation, was elected president, and the US began to withdraw its forces.

Massacre of Haitians by Dominican Army

In October 1937, the Dominican army, under the orders of dictator Rafael Trujillo, carried out the indiscriminate butchery of an estimated 14,000 to 40,000 Haitians on the Dominican side of the Massacre River. This event was part of Trujillo's efforts to expand his influence over all of Hispaniola.

Resignation of Elie Lescot

On January 11, 1946, Elie Lescot resigned from the presidency of Haiti after his position became untenable due to student strikes, protests, and alienation of the predominantly black Garde. The Garde assumed power through a three-member junta.

Reparations Payment to France

Haiti's 19th Century 'independence debt' to France, demanded as compensation for former slave owners, was not paid off until 1947.

Protests Against President Magloire

In May 1956, politicians, labor leaders, and their followers protested President Magloire's failure to step down. This led to a general strike that essentially shut down Port-au-Prince. Magloire declared martial law, and eventually fled to Jamaica, leaving the army with the task of restoring order.

Physician François “Papa Doc” Duvalier seizes power

Following two failed elections in 1957, physician François “Papa Doc” Duvalier seizes power in Haiti, establishing a despotic rule and employing death squads to silence his opponents.

Duvalier declares himself president for life

In 1964, Duvalier declares himself president for life, marking his dictatorship with repression enforced by the feared Tonton Macoutes secret police.

Paul Déjean Expelled from Haiti

Paul Déjean, a community leader, secular priest, anti-racism activist, and political writer, was expelled from Haiti by the government of dictator François Duvalier. He later settled in Montreal and became one of the great leaders of the entire Haitian diaspora.

Death of Francois 'Papa Doc' Duvalier

In 1971, Duvalier dies and is succeeded by his son, Jean-Claude, or 'Baby Doc', leading to increased repression and the exodus of thousands of Haitian 'boat people' fleeing to Florida.

Popular revolt forces Baby Doc to flee Haiti

In 1986, a popular revolt forces Baby Doc to flee Haiti to exile in France, leading to Lieutenant-General Henri Namphy taking over.

Jean-Bertrand Aristide wins Haiti's first free election

In 1990, former parish priest Jean-Bertrand Aristide, a left-wing champion of the poor, wins Haiti’s first free election, but is removed in a coup in 1991.

1991 Haitian coup d'état

A military coup in Haiti led to the overthrow of President Jean-Bertrand Aristide, resulting in a large-scale exodus of refugees to the United States and accusations of U.S. involvement.

Neptune Ferry Disaster

The ferry Neptune sank, resulting in the drowning of approximately 700 passengers, marking the worst ferry disaster in Haitian history.

Operation Uphold Democracy

U.S. troops prepared to enter Haiti by force for Operation Uphold Democracy, leading to the return of President Jean-Bertrand Aristide and the restoration of constitutional rule.

Haiti's Military Government Cedes Power

After a tense stand-off with the Clinton administration, Haiti's military government, led by General Raoul Cedras, agrees to cede power. This decision comes after over a year of efforts by the administration and the United Nations to restore the democratically elected president of Haiti, Jean-Bertrand Aristide, who was overthrown in a coup in 1991.

Haitian General Election

The Haitian general election saw Aristide's coalition, the Lavalas Political Organization, gain a sweeping victory, leading to the election of René Préval as president.

Aiding Haiti Recovery after Earthquake

The Open Society Foundations donate $5 million to support life-saving work in Haiti after the devastating earthquake, later partnering with the WIN Group to develop a $45 million industrial park for job creation. They have also invested significantly in education and economic revitalization projects in Port-au-Prince since 1995.

2010 Earthquake in Haiti

An earthquake in 2010 killed more than 200,000 people and caused extensive damage to infrastructure and the economy in Haiti.

Haiti Earthquake

A devastating earthquake struck Haiti, causing widespread destruction and loss of life.

Hurricane Matthew Hits Haiti

Hurricane Matthew makes landfall in Haiti, causing widespread destruction to crops, exacerbating the cholera epidemic, leaving many families homeless, and causing damage to the country's infrastructure.

Assassination of President Jovenel Moïse and 7.2-Magnitude Earthquake in Haiti

Haiti experienced a tumultuous summer in 2021, marked by the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse and a devastating 7.2-magnitude earthquake. These events brought the country back into the spotlight of American newspapers.

Gang Attack on Haitian Prisons

Gangs in Haiti storm two of the country’s biggest prisons, freeing over 4,000 inmates, leading to overwhelmed security forces and an urgent appeal for help from the police.

State of Emergency Declared in Haiti

Haiti’s government declares a state of emergency and imposes a nighttime curfew in an attempt to control the surge of violence.

Clashes in Cite Soleil

Massive clashes between two rival gangs erupted in Cite Soleil, leading to the deaths of dozens of residents and leaving thousands of families trapped in their homes without access to food or water. The violence had a devastating impact on the region's economy due to the location of an oil terminal in Cite Soleil.

Request for Foreign Troop Deployment

Prime Minister Henry and his cabinet requested the deployment of foreign troops to counter the gangs and anti-government demonstrations in Port-au-Prince.

Agreement for General Elections in Haiti

On 21 December 2022, Prime Minister Ariel Henry along with representatives signed an agreement to hold general elections in 2023, with the new government taking office in February 2024.

Coordinated Gang Attacks in Haiti

On February 29, 2024, Haitian gangs carry out coordinated attacks in Port-au-Prince, killing at least four police officers. The attacks are claimed by powerful gang leader Jimmy Chérizier, also known as Barbecue, who aims to capture police and government officials and block the return of Prime Minister Ariel Henry.

Prison Attacks and Escapes

Gangs attacked two prisons in Haiti, including the largest penitentiary, allowing prisoners to escape. This was part of a series of attacks carried out by the gangs while Prime Minister Henry was away finalizing an agreement with Kenya to send police officers to restore order in Haiti.

Attack on Toussaint Louverture International Airport

Armed gangs attacked the heavily fortified Toussaint Louverture International Airport, engaging in gunfire with the police and the Haitian Armed Forces in an attempt to take control of the facility, fueling speculation about a potential alliance between rival gangs to overthrow the Haitian elite.

Haiti's Gang Violence

Haiti is once again facing a wave of chaos fueled by ongoing gang wars, which have spiraled since the 2021 assassination of the country’s president. Gang leaders have grown increasingly violent and empowered, taking advantage of power vacuums in the Caribbean nation to grow in strength.

Discussion on Haiti Crisis and Policy Options

Panelists discuss the economic and political crisis in Haiti, focusing on the humanitarian impact and destabilization of the region. They explore policy options to stabilize the nation and help the Haitian people.

End of the Timeline
Haiti

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