Jean-Claude Duvalier, often known as "Baby Doc," was the son of François Duvalier, who ruled Haiti with an iron fist from 1957 until his death in 1971. Following his father's death, Jean-Claude inherited the presidency at the young age of 19. His regime continued many of the oppressive policies of his father, which included brutal repression of dissent through the notorious Tonton Macoute militia. Over the years, the Duvalier regime was characterized by human rights abuses, widespread corruption, and economic mismanagement, leading to significant social discontent among the Haitian people.

By the mid-1980s, Haiti was facing an acute crisis; many citizens were suffering from extreme poverty and famine. Growing opposition to Duvalier’s regime coalesced into protests, which were met with violent repression. Influential grassroots organizations, the church, and various political movements united in their calls for democracy and accountability in government. On February 7, amid mounting pressure and the realization of losing support from the United States, which had provided tacit backing to his regime, Duvalier fled Haiti aboard a U.S. military plane, leaving behind a nation in turmoil.

His departure signified a pivotal moment for Haiti, as it opened a path toward political change, albeit one fraught with instability. The subsequent years would see the country struggle to form a new government and deal with the aftermath of Duvalier's lengthy rule. While many viewed his exit as a form of liberation from dictatorial rule, it also resulted in power vacuums and further conflicts in the struggling nation.