Efforts to protest low pay and dangerous working conditions are severely repressed. 1980 Government crackdown on opposition groups. 200 journalists, lawyers and human rights workers arrested. 1981 U.S. and international agencies slaughter pigs in Haiti following outbreak of African swine fever. 1984 Anti-government riots in major Haitian towns.
Soldiers shoot four schoolchildren during protests.
Duvalier flees Haiti with family for exile in France. National governing Council formed, headed by Lieutenant General Henri Namphy. 1987 National election. Soldiers and Tontons Macoutes massacre voters. Coup d'etats put Gen. Namphy in power, followed by Lt. Gen. Avril.