François Duvalier

Duvalier, François (1907–71), president of Haiti (1957–71), nicknamed “Papa Doc.” A physician turned politician, he was elected to power as a reformer but ruled as dictator, helped by a political police force, the Tonton Macoutes. He made himself president for life in 1964. After his death his son, Jean-Claude Duvalier (“Baby Doc”), succeeded him as dictator.

See also: Haiti, Republic of.