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 “doable closure of air, sea, and land borders” between the 2 international locations, on high 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 of help with entry by means of a closed border crossing.
The announcement is of no instant shock, as the 2 international locations proceed to be at odds over a variety of points.
Simply this week, Luis Abinader, President of the Dominican Republic, suspended visas to Haitians after the nation complained concerning the latest excavation of a supposed canal that may divert water from the Bloodbath River.
Whereas Abinader believes this can hurt its farmers and the atmosphere, a high-level Haitian delegation is coming to the Dominican Republic to try to alleviate the potential disaster.
Moreover, this Haitian delegation expeditiously needs 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 wish 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 group to ship help and assist to revive peace and safety within the nation.
Haiti is presently below the Journey Advisory Level 4, “Do Not Travel” designation from the US Embassy advising US residents to depart instantly as safely as doable.
Attributable to kidnapping, crime, civil unrest, and poor healthcare infrastructure, Washington is advising US residents to not journey to Haiti. This follows the Division of State ordering US authorities workers and non-emergency US authorities workers to depart Haiti in July.