In 2006, in yet another round of national elections following a period of violence, René Préval was elected for a second term as president of Haiti. The United Nations returned to Haiti with another massive mission: to sustain the security established by the MNF, provide humanitarian assistance, and put in place the groundwork for future development. In 2000, Aristide returned to power for his second term as president, but in 2004 a U.S.-led multinational force (MNF) intervened to quell a swelling tide of violence, and he was chased into exile.

For Haiti, the new century began marked by instability, with Jean-Bertrand Aristide at the center of political controversy.