Duvalier, François (1907-1971)

Right-wing president of Haiti 1957-71. Known as Papa Doc, he ruled as a dictator, organizing the Tontons Macoutes (‘bogeymen’) as a private security force to intimidate and assassinate opponents of his regime. He rigged the 1961 elections in order to have his term of office extended until 1967, and in 1964 declared himself president for life. He was excommunicated by the Vatican for harassing the church, and was succeeded on his death by his son Jean-Claude Duvalier.