François produced a constitution to solidify power and replaced the bicameral legislature with a unicameral one . In 14 June 1964 , Duvalier declared himself President-for-Life and changed the color of the national flag and arms from red and blue to red and black . He fired the chief of the military and established a Presidential Guard to maintain his power . He also established the '' Volontaires de la Sécurité Nationale '' ( National Security Volunteers ) , commonly referred to as the '' Tonton Macoute '' , named after a bogeyman in Haitian mythology . The Tonton Macoute became Haiti 's secret police and had pervasive influence throughout Haiti 's rural countryside . Duvalier used his newly gained influence in the military to establish his own elite . Corruption was endemic , and he stole money from government agencies to reward officials loyal to him . Duvalier also exploited popular Vodou beliefs , creating a cult of personality surrounding himself . Due to his repressive and authoritarian rule , U.S. President John F. Kennedy revoked aid and recalled Marine Corps missions in 1962 . However , after the assassination of Kennedy , relations with Duvalier eased , partially due to Haiti 's strategic location near Cuba
assassination of Kennedy
Assassination of John F. Kennedy
Duvalier dynasty