Haiti: Rebels take control

Citizens are rejoicing according to the NYTimes.

Hailed as liberators by thousands of residents, four truckloads of rebel soldiers made a triumphal entry into this dusty town today, ending a week that has seen them wrest control of Haiti's central plateau from the embattled government of President Jean-Bertrand Aristide.

Based in the heart of the plateau's rich farmland, groups of about 60 rebel soldiers have made lightning raids on towns and villages across the region, ousting officials loyal to Mr. Aristide and putting the president's hated chimères — armed gangs used to the keep an iron grip on the populace — to flight.

"It's good they're here, I feel safe with them here," said Jenette Bienaime, who turned out to welcome the rebels forces waving Haitian flags as local bands played marching tunes on bamboo flutes and giant seashells. She said pro-Aristide gangs had routinely executed political opponents in Hinche and dumped their bodies in the river.