Rosalind Evans
The Dominican Republic has sealed its land, sea, and air boundaries with Haiti, escalating tensions over a canal construction project in Haiti. As a result, armed Dominican forces have intensified their patrols at key entry points, with military aircraft providing an aerial watch.
Typically bustling border regions, where Haitian workers cross daily to work in the Dominican Republic, wore a quiet look. On the Haitian end, locals congregated under trees, taking in the unusual scene on Friday.
While the duration of this unusual border shutdown remains uncertain, Dominican President Luis Abinader asserted that it will persist “as long as necessary.”
The root of this diplomatic discord traces back to a canal project near the historic Massacre River, resumed by Haitian workers earlier this month. The canal is aimed at mitigating drought effects in Haiti’s Maribaroux plain. This river’s history is steeped in conflict, as it was the backdrop for a violent encounter between Spanish and French colonialists in the 18th century and a tragic massacre of Haitians by Dominican forces in 1937.
While President Abinader argues that the canal poses threats to Dominican agriculture and the local environment, Haiti’s administration stands firm in its conviction that its nation has the sovereign privilege to manage its natural assets.
This closure is anticipated to strain the economies of both Hispaniola-sharing nations, with Haiti likely to bear a greater brunt.
Diego Da Rin from the International Crisis Group commented on the situation, stating, “Such a severe measure is economically disadvantageous for both nations.” He further emphasized the looming economic repercussions for the Dominican Republic and the potential exacerbation of the humanitarian crisis near the border regions.
Trade statistics highlight the depth of the economic ties. Last year, Haiti stood as the Dominican Republic’s third-largest trade ally, boasting exports worth $1 billion and imports valued at $11 million, as per the Dominican Republic’s Export and Investment Center’s data. Additionally, an informal trade amounting to $430 million was recorded in 2017, with exports to Haiti accounting for over $330 million.
Diplomats from both nations convened on Wednesday to discuss the escalating situation. However, President Abinader’s sudden Thursday announcement to close all borders by Friday drew sharp criticism from the Haitian side for its “unilateral” nature.
According to Da Rin, President Abinader’s reaction seems excessive, pointing out that Abinader recently declared his re-election intentions. “Possibly, Abinader views this as an opportunity to cast himself in the nationalist leader’s mould, standing firm against what he terms the ‘Haitian influx’,” Da Rin observed.
Among the actions taken by President Abinader include ceasing visa issuance to Haitians, tightening border controls around Dajabon town, restricting Haitian migration, and deporting tens of thousands of Haitians or those with Haitian lineage. Notably, his regime has initiated the construction of a 118-mile (190-kilometer) barrier along the Haiti border, announced previously.
Although discussions with the Haitian government continue, Abinader remains firm that the canal’s construction must cease, a directive Haiti seems keen to disregard.
Forecasting the situation, Da Rin expressed uncertainty about the extended closure’s implications, hinting at the potential risks of illegal border crossings if it persists.
The unfolding tension between the Dominican Republic and Haiti not only rekindles historic animosities but also threatens the economic stability of both nations. As both sides stand firm in their convictions, it becomes imperative for international bodies and neighbouring nations to intervene and foster dialogue. The well-being and livelihoods of countless individuals hang in the balance, as the island of Hispaniola braces for the road ahead.
