Abinader Aims to Prevent Full Haiti Border Shutdown

Dominican President Luis Abinader hopes for a peaceful fix to a border issue with Haiti.

This issue centers on an unsanctioned canal built by Haitians to divert water from the Massacre River.

If no solution comes by Thursday, all routes between the two nations will close.

Abinader stressed the canal is a private Haitian business venture. He finds it hard to talk with Haitian leaders due to governance problems there.

The Dominican National Security Council plans to keep the northern border closed. They will also stop issuing visas to Haitians.

Abinader puts national security first and plans to increase border patrols. He knows the economic risks of closing the border. Still, he says safety comes first.

Officials in the Dominican Republic plan long-term water solutions. They will build a dam and reopen an old canal.

A meeting to discuss a final fix is in the works. Abinader plans to talk about the issue at the UN and will meet with Kenyan President William Ruto.

Abinader says the canal violates past agreements. He plans to report the issue to global bodies to uphold law and order.

Background

The tension between Haiti and the Dominican Republic is not new. Both share the island of Hispaniola but have different languages and cultures.

Historical disputes over territory and resources have long shaped their relations.

The Massacre River, often a point of contention, is vital for both nations’ agriculture and water supply.

1929 the two countries signed the Treaty of Peace and Friendship to solve border issues. Despite this, problems have persisted.

Recent governance struggles in Haiti make diplomatic talks more challenging. This current canal issue could become a flashpoint if not resolved soon.

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