Clement Barbot and Tontons Macoutes ("Bogeymen")

When Francois Duvalier was proclaimed President for a term period of six years, Clement Barbot was then the self-proclaimed "Chief of the Secret Police". The team that was functioning under him was not just the military personnel. His team was a good mix of both military personnel and civilians. Clement Barbot, along with his Tonton Macoutes, gave people three alternatives other than silence and obedience. Those were to end up in jail, get themselves killed and flee the country. It was this reign of terror that struck fear in the hearts of people.

Duvalier's regime was so aggressive and terrible that people had to forego something called "elections". In fact they were never even given an option. Many under Duvalier's regime considered his ruling of the republic as sheer terrorism. Even after the death of Duvalier and his son, nothing has changed as far as the method of ruling is concerned. While people thought of peace prevailing by means of a democratic government, all it came down to was maintaining peace with the help of guns and assault rifles.

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Read more: Tonton Macoute, Francois Duvalier, Clement Barbot, VSN, Bogeymen, People

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