Global Policy Forum

By Peter Prengaman

Ousted Haitian President Jean-Bertrand Aristide left his temporary exile in Africa on Monday and flew to Jamaica despite opposition to his presence in the Caribbean. Aristide's imminent arrival — to temporary asylum in Jamaica — has increased tensions in Haiti, where his followers plan more protests to demand the return of the country's first democratically elected leader.

Aristide was expected to arrive Monday afternoon in Jamaica for what officials there said would be a temporary visit to reunite with his two daughters while he seeks permanent asylum in a third country. But the Haitian leader, speaking cryptically as he often does, indicated he has not abandoned his desire to return to govern Haiti.

"For the time being, I'm listening to my people," Aristide said before boarding the plane in the Central African Republic. "The more we listen to them, the more we serve them, the more we will know what to do at the right time. We all have to do what we can to promote peace." Aristide has said he was forced out by American officials — a claim the Bush administration denies — as rebels who had overrun half of Haiti were preparing to attack the capital, Port-au-Prince.

At his last African refueling stop, on the island of Cape Verde, Aristide and his wife discussed concerns about events in Haiti in an interview with Pacifica Radio's "Democracy Now!" program. Aristide complained his private foundation's University of Peace had been made into a U.S. military base in Port-au-Prince, and that teachers at the state hospital's medical school had been threatened and were afraid to go to work. During the monthlong rebellion that led to Aristide's flight, hospitals in Haiti have been violated by gunmen including rebels and militant civilians both for and against Aristide.

Meanwhile, U.S. and French troops are helping to restore order, and an interim prime minister is working to set up a transitional government under a U.S.-backed plan. French soldiers on Sunday began patrolling La Saline, a seaside slum that is an Aristide stronghold and where resentment and anger have been brewing since U.S. Marines killed at least two people Friday. The Marines said the two carried guns, though no weapons were recovered, but residents said those killed were not armed or militant.

U.S. Marine Maj. Richard Crusan said the French presence was part of a normal rotation. "French and U.S. Marines have both been patrolling throughout Port-au-Prince," he said. "It's not a change."

Officials detained at least six Aristide partisans Sunday for suspected involvement in criminal activities, opposition politician Evans Paul said. A police log book showed that among them were Harold Severe, a former deputy mayor of Port-au-Prince, and Jacques Nazaire, a former security chief at the National Palace. Police said they and others were detained in suburban Petionville and transferred elsewhere. U.S. troops have been attacked several times and have shot and killed at least six Haitians in the past week.

The French, who have not come under fire in Haiti, have an easier time communicating with Haitians, who generally understand only Creole or French. U.S. Marines have been shouting commands in English at Haitians. U.S. troops are also resented because of Aristide's allegations of a forced ouster Feb. 29.

Interim Prime Minister Gerard Latortue has warned that Aristide's return to the region could threaten a fragile stability. Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld told CNN that "the hope is that he will not come back into the hemisphere and complicate the situation." Aristide was scheduled to stay eight to 10 weeks in Jamaica. Jamaican officials said Aristide had been warned not to use the visit to promote his campaign to return to Haiti. The temporary asylum was offered to reunite Aristide and his wife, Mildred, with their daughters. Christine, 7, and Michaelle, 5, who had been sent for safety to New York to the mother of Mrs. Aristide, who was born there.

The rebellion was started Feb. 5 by a street gang that used to terrorize Aristide opponents and was spread by former Haitian soldiers who seek to reinstate the country's disgraced and disbanded army. More than 300 people died before Aristide fled, according to estimates by The Associated Press and the Pan American Health Organization.

Aristide's departure was delayed for several hours Sunday while Central African President Francois Bozize said he would decide whether to allow him to leave. Aristide said he believed Bozize had to consult with the three countries that had organized his exile in Bangui — the United States, France and Gabon. Latortue, meanwhile, was finalizing his Cabinet and should name some members on Monday, said aide Robert Ulysse.