CRS - Haiti: Background to the 1991 Overthrow of President Aristide
- Aristide's overthrow in 1991 propelled Haiti into its worst crisis since the fall of the Duvalier dictatorship in 1986.
- Politics in Haiti have been generally violent and authoritarian since its independence in 1804.
- The United States intervened in Haiti in 1915 to stop civil strife and prevent Germany from establishing a foothold.
- From 1957 through 1986, Francois Duvalier and his son Jean-Claude ruled Haiti for nearly 30 years, leaving behind a legacy of repression and corruption.
- Aristide was credited with curbing crime in the capital, reducing the number of employees in bloated state enterprises, and taking actions to bring the military under civilian control.
This report delves into the historical context surrounding the 1991 overthrow of Haiti's President Jean-Bertrand Aristide. It traces the roots of Haiti's political instability back to its independence in 1804, highlighting the legacy of violent and authoritarian rule. The report examines the challenges Haiti faced in its transition to democracy following the Duvalier regime, including the numerous short-lived governments and the thwarted elections. It also provides a brief overview of Aristide's presidency, from his election in December 1990 to his ouster by the military in September 1991, touching on his human rights record and the role of the military in the democratic process.
How to cite
Congressional Research Service (CRS), 1993, CRS - Haiti: Background to the 1991 Overthrow of President Aristide, accessed via HaitiDocs, https://www.haitidocs.org/doc/crs-1993-haiti-background-1991-overthrow