Tonton Macoute
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Officially recognized as the Milice de Volontaires de la Sécurité (MVSN, National Security Volunteers), and better known as Tonton Macoutes, was a Haitian militia/secret police force under the control of François 'Papa Doc' Duvalier, created in 1959.
Macoutes were led by Duvalier's second-in-command, Luckner Cambronne, who died on 20 September 2006, in Miami, Florida at the age of 77.[1]
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[edit] Origin of the name
In Haitian tradition, as of that of other nations, good children are visited at Christmas by Uncle Christmas, known locally as Tonton Noel (Father Christmas in other nations). However, the bad children are snatched by Uncle Gunnysack, or Uncle Knapsack. Translated literally from Creole: Tonton (Uncle) Macoute (gunnysack). Because intimidation and threats as well as violence are a factor used by the MVSN, they are referred to as 'Uncle Gunnysack'. The term "Tonton Macoutes" is equivalent in Haiti to the "bogeyman".
[edit] François Duvalier
François Duvalier (better known as "Papa Doc") came to power in 1957, as a democratically-elected leader on a populist platform. He had previously served as Minister of Health, and was noted due to his particular involvement in the fight against yaws. After an attempted coup against him in 1958, Duvalier rewrote the Haitian constitution, making himself a President for Life. In 1959, he created the Tonton Macoutes, which were granted automatic amnesty through his powers for any crime they committed.
[edit] Reputation
Tonton Macoutes were known for dressing in military attire resembling that of fascist paramilitary groups[citation needed]. They were also known for wearing dark glasses, wielding machetes, and leaving their victims hanging in a public place as a warning to others[citation needed]. They cultivated the image of being vodun demons or zombies[citation needed]. They often had firearms but resorted to machetes and blades to inflict severe and grievous bodily harm to victims[citation needed]. Torture was a widespread tactic and used to warn enemies of the MVSN[citation needed]. It is alleged that the death squad continued to operate in Haiti, through 2000[citation needed].
[edit] See also
[edit] References
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