Economic interests and countries such as France and the United States were behind a ”coup d’état” that led to his ousting in February, former Haitian president Jean-Bertrand Aristide said on Monday.
At a media conference in Pretoria he accused the US and other countries in Europe of funding violent demonstrations against his rule by political parties and NGOs in Haiti.
Aristide said he will only contest elections in Haiti next year if the poll is guaranteed free and fair, and democratic.
As things stand now, he said, this is unlikely.
Aristide said he is convinced the majority of Haitians wants him back.
He said he will not be directly involved in political activities while in South Africa to seek his return to Haiti.
Aristide is in South Africa as a guest of the government at the request of the Caribbean Community and the African Union. — Sapa