Haiti President Jovenel Moise was shot dead by unidentified attackers overnight, stirring fears of another bout of turmoil in a country that has suffered cycles of violence, invasion and repression. Here are some key events in Haiti's political history 👇
But it has suffered cycles of violence, invasion and repression for most of its subsequent history, including the dynastic Duvalier dictatorship.
1937 - In the worst incident of long-standing rivalry with neighbouring Dominican Republic, thousands of Haitians in border area are massacred by Dominican troops on the orders of dictator Trujillo. 1971 - Duvalier dies and is succeeded by his son, Jean-Claude, or "Baby Doc". Repression increases. In the following decades, thousands of Haitian "boat people" flee by sea to Florida, many dying on the way.
1994 - U.S. troops intervene to oust military regime and Aristide returns. U.N. peacekeepers deploy in 1995 and Aristide protege Rene Preval is elected president.2004 – Political unrest forces Aristide to flee but the country descends into violence.2008 – 2010. Series of protests, triggered by food shortages, a cholera outbreak and then over elections.