Former dictator 'Baby Doc' Duvalier back in Haiti

Former president Jean-Claude "Baby Doc" Duvalier has made a surprise return to Haiti, for the first time since he was overthrown by popular revolt 25 years ago. He landed at Port-au-Prince airport on Sunday, where he told reporters: "I've come to help."

Jean-Claude Duvalier (C) arrives in Port-au-Prince, 16 January 2011. Amelie Baron/RFI

Duvalier arrived in Haiti from France, where he has spent much of his time in exile.

His return comes as Haiti faces a political vacuum in the wake of disputed presidential elections, while much of the country remains in ruins after the earthquake one year ago.

Nothing was known of Duvalier's plans until two hours before his arrival, reports RFI's correspondent in Port-au-Prince, Amélie Baron.

But the rumour spread quickly and hundreds of people were waiting to greet their former president at the airport. Even Duvalier himself seemed surprised by the welcome, our correspondent says.

The crowd followed his motorcade to the Hotel Karibe in the centre of the capital, where Duvalier came out to greet his supporters but did not make a statement.

As Haiti struggles to deal with earthquake damage and crippling poverty, many are nostalgic for the days of Duvalier's presidency, Baron explains, when according to his supporters, at least "everybody had food to eat".

However, Duvalier is also accused of violently repressing his opponents, stifling the press and stealing government funds during his 1971-1986 rule.

He inherited the title of "president for life" from his father, François "Papa Doc" Duvalier, at the age of 19. Fifteen years later, he was forced to flee the country after mass protests and international condemnation, led by the United States.

Since then, he has been engaged in a lengthy legal battle with Haiti's government to keep millions of dollars he holds in Swiss bank acounts, and which the Haitian authorities accuse him of embezzling. He denies the charges.

Haiti's Prime Minister Jean-Max Bellerive told AFP that Duvalier "is a Haitian and as such is free to return home", but did not comment on whether the ex-president would face possible legal action.