On July 28–29, 1958, Haiti witnessed a failed coup attempt against President François “Papa Doc” Duvalier, less than a year after he took office. Led by Captain Alix “Sonson” Pasquet, a small group of Haitian officers and American mercenaries seized the Casernes Dessalines, a military barracks near the National Palace in Port-au-Prince, in an attempt to overthrow the government.
Forces loyal to Duvalier defeated the attackers on July 29, securing his presidency. The event became a turning point in Haitian history, accelerating Duvalier's consolidation of power, his distrust of the regular army, and the development of a repressive security apparatus, including the infamous Tonton Macoutes.
Historical photograph: President François Duvalier in military attire, surrounded by government and military officials following the events of July 28–29, 1958.