General Prosper Avril orchestrated a coup d'état that resulted in the ousting of General Henri Namphy, who had been in power since the fall of the Duvalier dictatorship in 1986. Namphy's presidency was marked by a struggle to maintain political stability amid widespread discontent and a volatile economic situation. As various factions within the military and the populace grow increasingly dissatisfied with Namphy's governance, Avril capitalized on these tensions, positioning himself as a strong military leader capable of restoring order. The coup occurred quickly and efficiently, with military units seizing key locations in Port-au-Prince, Haiti's capital, without significant opposition. Avril thus became the new military ruler, signaling the continuation of military influence in Haitian politics.

This coup occurred in a context of political upheaval in Haiti, where the transition from the Duvalier regime had not brought the hoped-for improvements in governance or economic conditions. The military remained a powerful force in Haitian politics, and under Avril's rule, there would be attempts to negotiate with political factions while still maintaining a tight grip on power. This led to a sustained era of military authoritarianism throughout the late 1980s into the early 1990s, complicating efforts towards democracy in Haiti. Namphy's ouster would serve as a notable chapter in the ongoing struggles for political stability in the nation.