Forty years ago, Jean-Claude Duvalier, known as 'Baby Doc', left Haiti for France with assistance from the United States, ending over three decades of relentless dictatorship by a dynasty infamous for its brutality. Duvalier's departure was necessitated by a growing uprising fueled by economic despair and widespread disenchantment with the severe repression he inherited from his father, François Duvalier, who was also a dictator. The Haitian populace had become increasingly strident in their opposition to the Duvalier regime, resulting in bloody protests that signaled the unraveling of their rule.

In early 1986, after a series of chaotic and violent events, the pressure from the United States government finally compelled Duvalier to resign, offering him an escape route via a chartered plane. This strategic alliance between the Duvalier dynasty and the United States during the Cold War had previously secured Duvalier's grip on power, illustrating the complex geopolitical dynamics at play during his regime. Despite his apparent control, Duvalier's reign was deeply unpopular, marked by corruption and human rights abuses, leading to a legacy of turmoil in Haiti.

As the article revisits this pivotal moment in Haitian history, it highlights the long-term ramifications of the Duvalier dictatorship and raises questions about the current state of Haiti in light of its past. The decades of governance experienced under both Duvaliers have had lasting effects on the country's political landscape and continue to influence Haiti's struggles with leadership and governance today.