In pictures: Jean-Bertrand Aristide

1 of 10 In the 1980s Jean-Bertrand Aristide was a prominent priest opposed to the Duvalier regime and in 1990 he became Haiti's first democratically elected president.

2 of 10 General Raoul Cedras ousted President Aristide in a bloody coup in 1991 - but US pressure forced him from power in 1994.

3 of 10 The then US President, Bill Clinton, helped end the reign of terror in Haiti, reinstating Mr Aristide.

4 of 10 He returned to Haiti from exile in October 1994 - in the same year he left the priesthood.

5 of 10 The US sent 20,000 troops to bolster his new administration.

6 of 10 President Aristide was re-elected in 2000 - but the poll was marred by allegations of vote-rigging and violence.

7 of 10 Unrest also overshadowed the 200th anniversary of Haiti's independence in January 2004.

8 of 10 As rebels in the north tightened their grip Mr Aristide tried to rally his dwindling supporters.

9 of 10 Anti-Aristide protests escalated and the armed opposition seized the city of Gonaives.

10 of 10 President Aristide accepted an international peace plan - but his opponents insisted he must go.