Jean-Bertrand Aristide spoke in 2010 of his desire to return
Haiti's former leader Jean-Bertrand Aristide has left South Africa to return to his home country after seven years in exile, officials say.
He is expected in Port-au-Prince early on Friday, two days before Haiti's presidential run-off vote. The US is deeply concerned that his return could destabilise the country.But Mr Aristide, a populist left-winger who was forced to flee in 2004 amid a rebellion, has said he will not seek an active role in politics.His return has been rumoured for weeks.
Mr Aristide was given back his diplomatic passport last month, and his lawyer has said he wanted to return quickly in case the winner of Sunday's election reversed the decision to allow him back.
Mr Aristide left Johannesburg late on Thursday and is expected back in Haiti by noon on Friday.
He still has many supporters, and last month thousands took to the streets to urge him to end his exile.
Another former leader, Jean-Claude "Baby Doc" Duvalier, also recently returned to the country.
He is now being sued for torture and other crimes against humanity Via BBC News - Haiti ex-leader Jean-Bertrand Aristide 'returning home'
