As of Thursday, September 14, the Dominican Republic has introduced plans to doubtlessly shut borders between themselves and Haiti. In a press release launched, they introduced including “possible closure of air, sea, and land borders” between the 2 international locations, on prime of the present land border crossings in place.
As such, the US Embassy is urging US residents to make alternate preparations for any journey disruptions as they received’t be capable to help with entry via a closed border crossing.
The announcement is of no rapid shock, as the 2 international locations proceed to be at odds over plenty of points.
Just this week, Luis Abinader, President of the Dominican Republic, suspended visas to Haitians after the nation complained concerning the current excavation of a supposed canal that can divert water from the Massacre River.
While Abinader believes this may hurt its farmers and the surroundings, a high-level Haitian delegation is coming to the Dominican Republic to attempt to alleviate the potential disaster.
Furthermore, this Haitian delegation expeditiously desires to take away any restrictions because the French-speaking nation is in a fragile socio-economic scenario exacerbated by political uncertainty. The nation will get most of its imports from their neighbors and doesn’t need to additional exacerbate a fragile scenario.
The Caribbean nation has been in a state of dysfunction because the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse again in July of 2021. Since then, the interim authorities of Prime Minister Dr. Ariel Henry has pleaded to the worldwide neighborhood to ship support and help to revive peace and safety within the nation.
Haiti is presently below the Travel Advisory Level 4, “Do Not Travel” designation from the US Embassy advising US residents to depart instantly as safely as potential.
Due to kidnapping, crime, civil unrest, and poor healthcare infrastructure, Washington is advising US residents to not journey to Haiti. This follows the Department of State ordering US authorities workers and non-emergency US authorities workers to depart Haiti in July.