Santo Domingo.- The President of the Dominican Republic, Luis Abinader, affirmed the security of the border with Haiti after an incident where a group of Haitians broke down the gate that separates Juana Méndez, Haiti, from Dajabón, Dominican Republic. The incident occurred when Haitians were attempting to enter Dajabón for the suspended binational market, as a result of the Dominican Republic’s response to Haiti’s construction of a canal on the Masacre River.
Before the media, President Abinader highlighted the efforts of the Dominican Government to secure the border. He also asked for a statement from the Haitian government about the incident, which has increased tensions in the area.
Despite the partial opening of the border by Dominican authorities after strict initial measures, Haitian participation in the crucial binational market remains stagnant. The initial response from the Dominican Republic included the total closure of borders and the suspension of the issuance of visas to Haitian citizens, following the construction of the canal in Haiti considered illegal by the Dominican government.
The ongoing dispute over the canal, which poses environmental risks to Laguna Saladillo and could affect vast agricultural lands and security on both sides of the border, has reached the Organization of American States (OAS). The OAS, at the request of both nations, has formed a commission to investigate and report on the matter.
This situation reflects the complex and often tense relations between the two countries, highlighting challenges in border management, environmental concerns and bilateral trade.