Verisoph public archive

Francois Duvalier

1907 – 1971 Haitian physician, president, dictator

"Papa Doc," the Haitian dictator who ruled through terror and a personal militia until his death.

Religion
Roman Catholic; associated with Vodou symbolism
Affiliations
Tonton Macoute militia

Francois Duvalier, known as Papa Doc, was a physician elected president of Haiti in 1957 who then declared himself president for life. He ruled through the Tonton Macoute militia and a cult of personality, killing tens of thousands of opponents. His anti-communist stance drew US support for much of his rule; he was succeeded on his death by his son Jean-Claude.