Haiti’s political landscape has long been characterized by instability, violence, and power struggles. The country’s 200th anniversary of independence in 2004 was marred by a deep political crisis, with then-President Jean-Bertrand Aristide facing significant opposition.
One of the most shocking recent revelations from this period came from historian Michel Soukar, who disclosed details of an assassination attempt against him during an interview on Rudy Sanon’s YouTube show Se Sa Nou Vle.
Michel Soukar’s Assassination Attempt: A Narrow Escape from Death
During his appearance on Se Sa Nou Vle, Michel Soukar detailed a chilling assassination attempt against him in December 2003. He recounted being warned about a government-backed plot to kill him. A journalist informed him that an insider had leaked information about a commando team assigned to execute him before January 1, 2004.
“The men had their orders. Three of them were supposed to enter my home under cover of night and eliminate me,” Soukar revealed. Understanding the gravity of the situation, he immediately took action. He relocated temporarily and established a neighborhood vigilance brigade to monitor suspicious activities.
On the night of December 31, 2003, his security team observed a gray pickup truck without license plates parked outside his residence. “They were watching, waiting for me to come home,” he recounted. One of the men even approached the gate, seemingly to verify whether his vehicle was inside.
The would-be assassins lingered until dawn but eventually left without executing their mission. It was a close call, reinforcing the dangers faced by those who opposed the Aristide regime.
The Political Landscape Leading to Aristide’s Ouster
Jean-Bertrand Aristide, a former priest turned politician, was initially celebrated for his populist approach and promises of democratic governance.
However, by 2003, accusations of corruption, human rights abuses, and political persecution had significantly eroded his support. Opposition leaders accused him of silencing dissent through intimidation and targeted violence.
This period saw massive protests against Aristide’s government, driven by widespread frustration over economic hardship, governance failures, and state-sponsored violence.
Many opposition leaders viewed any attempt to celebrate Haiti’s bicentennial under Aristide’s rule as a betrayal of the nation’s hard-fought independence.
Haiti’s History of Political Violence
The events of 2003-2004 were not an anomaly but part of a broader pattern in Haitian history. Since its independence in 1804, the country has experienced cycles of authoritarian rule, coups, and violent overthrows.
Power struggles in Haiti often escalate into brutal confrontations, with ruling parties resorting to force to maintain control and opposition groups responding in kind.
“The voice of reason struggles to be heard in Haiti,” remarked one observer. “Those in power resort to extreme violence to protect their interests, and opponents often have no choice but to respond similarly. Dialogue is rare.”
This legacy of violence remains a significant challenge for Haiti’s political future. With deep-seated mistrust between factions, the path toward stability requires fundamental changes in governance, institutional accountability, and respect for democratic principles.
The Road Ahead
Two decades after Aristide’s departure, Haiti continues to grapple with political instability, economic struggles, and governance crises. The lessons from 2004 remain relevant: sustainable democracy cannot be built on repression, and genuine political progress requires breaking the cycle of violence.
As Haiti seeks a new path forward, it must prioritize justice, transparency, and national unity over the politics of fear and retaliation.
Se sa nou vle can be seen on its entirety here.
