Santo Domingo.- President Luis Abinader has taken decisive action in response to the current sociopolitical crisis in Haiti, which he believes is directly impacting the interests of the Dominican Republic. The president announced the closure of the country’s borders by air, sea, and land in an approximately eight-minute address to the nation. This action aims to stop the construction of a canal that threatens to divert the course of the Masacre River.
President Abinader emphasized the need for a forceful response to protect Dominican interests. This is especially important given the presence of uncontrollable groups in Haiti that challenge constitutional law and bilateral agreements governing border relations.
While acknowledging the suffering of the Haitian people due to insurgent group control, the president highlighted the serious institutional crisis and resulting political and economic turmoil in Haiti. Resolving this crisis will require the assistance of the international community.
The president explained that the construction of an irrigation project, supplied with the waters of the Masacre River, began in August 2018 and accelerated in April 2021. Despite demands to halt the project, it was recently resumed. The construction of the canal poses a threat to agricultural land in both the Dominican Republic and Haiti, as well as the ecological balance of the freshwater lake Laguna Saladilla.
President Abinader affirmed the right of the Dominican Republic to take necessary actions to safeguard its rights in accordance with domestic laws and international agreements on border matters.
The president reiterated that the border closure will remain in effect until construction of the canal is completely stopped. He emphasized that this action is not intended to provoke a conflict with Haiti and assured citizens that the situation at the border is under control, with no threat to daily activities in the Dominican Republic.
Furthermore, President Abinader highlighted that the main responsibility of the Dominican Republic is to defend the interests of its people and seek support from the international community to address the crisis in Haiti. He stressed that the definitive solution to Haiti’s problems lies in the international community.
The president plans to travel to New York to participate in the 78th United Nations General Assembly. During his visit, he plans to discuss with Kenya’s president possible deployments of troops from Kenya to help Haiti.