Dominican soldiers from the Haitian Border Guard (CESFRONT) observe Haitian nationals during a militarized operation on the Haitian border.
The Dominican Republic announced on Monday it would partially reopen its border with Haiti, which it closed a month ago, under “strict military controls” to resume exports to the neighboring country, but said the immigration blockade would be “indefinitely”. maintained.
After a meeting of the National Security Council on new measures at the border, government spokesperson Homero Figueroa said border crossings would open from 8 a.m. local time (12 p.m. Japan time) on Wednesday, October 11. announced.
This was done in view of the eventual arrival of international missions of the United Nations in neighboring countries.
“We will increase the militarization of our borders and make access to our territory even more difficult for (Haitian) gang members fleeing multinational forces.”
Homero Figueroa,
Dominican government spokesperson
Figueroa announced the creation of a “temporary trade corridor with strict military control measures and mandatory biometric registration in border areas” to “facilitate trade in Dominican essentials such as food and medicine, especially for children” did.
Security in bilateral markets located on the border will also be expanded.
Haiti, the poorest country in the Americas, is the Dominican Republic’s second trading partner, with exports amounting to approximately $1.04 billion in 2022, receiving 8.4% of the Dominican Republic’s exports.
However, the government has banned “the export of electronic products, cement, rods and other construction materials to prevent the construction of structures that threaten environmental assets,” Figueroa said.
This is a direct reference to the construction of a canal in Haiti that was intended to divert water from both countries’ state-owned Massacre River for use in irrigating crops.
President Luis Abinader, who is seeking re-election, called the ongoing effort a “provocation” and in response ordered land, air and sea borders with Haiti to be closed and immigration from the country cut off. Ta.
“We will maintain the border closure indefinitely to prevent the movement of people from Haitian territory,” Figueroa confirmed. “The suspension of visas for Haitian nationals will be extended indefinitely.”
Haiti’s economic and political crisis, exacerbated by gang violence, has led to an increased influx of Haitians (many illegal immigrants) to the Dominican Republic, which has increased attacks and built a fence on their common border. .
Source: Diario.Elmundo
