The Dominican Republic has announced new measures to enhance border control with Haiti, including an indefinite extension of the current border shutdown and an increase in military presence. The government cited concerns over a canal being constructed from the Massacre River, which serves as a border between the two nations, claiming this development violates a longstanding treaty.
The border shutdown initially enacted last month has now led to a ban on exports of electronics, cement, and other construction materials to prevent projects that may endanger the river and its resources. These measures are set to take effect on Wednesday.
In response to the border measures, Haiti’s government affirmed its position supporting the rights of its citizens to equitably access shared water resources. Officials have expressed a willingness to engage in dialogue regarding the matter.
Last week, Dominican President Luis Abinader, who is pursuing re-election next year, announced plans to restart construction on a previously decommissioned canal on the Dominican side. He also mentioned ongoing plans for the development of two dams along the shared river.
The Organization of American States has urged both countries to resume dialogue to address the growing tensions. In addition to the border closures, the Dominican Republic has indefinitely suspended the issuance of visas to Haitian citizens and plans to create a fund aimed at financing agricultural programs to reduce reliance on undocumented immigrant labor.
The Dominican Republic has also faced criticism for deporting tens of thousands of Haitian migrants amid escalating gang violence in Haiti.
In a related development, the Kenyan parliament has temporarily blocked a deployment of 1,000 police officers to Haiti, which had been proposed as part of a U.N.-backed international force requested by the Haitian government a year ago.
