Canal Dispute Pushes Dominican Republic to Seal Borders with Haiti, Raising Alarms About Economic and Political Fallout

Dominican Republic Closes Borders with Haiti Amid Canal Dispute

^{Credit: Google | Dominican Republic Closes Borders with Haiti}

In a significant diplomatic development, the Dominican Republic has taken the extraordinary step of closing all its borders with neighboring Haiti, effectively isolating the troubled Caribbean nation. The decision comes as a result of a long-standing dispute over the excavation of a canal on the Haitian side of the Massacre River, which runs along their shared border on the island of Hispaniola.

Dominican President Luis Abinader announced the closure of air, sea, and land borders, citing concerns that the canal’s construction would negatively impact Dominican farmers and the environment. This move follows a series of escalating tensions between the two nations, including the suspension of visas for Haitians and the partial closure of the border near Dajabon, a crucial economic lifeline for both countries.

The Dominican Republic deported tens of thousands of Haitians back to their impoverished and gang-ravaged country. Now it’s closing the border entirely. The neighbors share the Caribbean island of Hispaniola and a long history of strained relations. https://t.co/YL8YFRcapb
— The Washington Post (@washingtonpost) September 14, 2023

The International Crisis Group reported that work on the canal had stalled following the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moïse in July 2021 but resumed due to inaction by the Haitian government, which had not adequately addressed the region’s drought-related problems.

Contrary to claims by the Dominican government, there is no evidence of major political or business involvement behind the canal project, as noted by Latin American and Caribbean consultant Diego Da Rin. This dispute over the Massacre River, named after a historical clash between colonial powers, has a long history of tension, including a tragic massacre of Haitians by the Dominican army in 1937.

Despite last-minute negotiations between the two governments, the closure decision was announced by President Abinader, sparking concerns over its severe economic repercussions for Haiti. Over 25% of Haiti’s official imports come from the Dominican Republic, making the closure a potential disaster for a nation already grappling with widespread hunger and gang violence.

Haiti heavily relies on trade with its neighbor, with whom it shares strong economic ties and is the Dominican Republic’s third-largest trading partner. The closure threatens to exacerbate Haiti’s existing food security challenges, impacting the most vulnerable populations.

However, this border closure is a double-edged sword, as it also stands to harm the Dominican Republic’s economy, which depends on Haitian laborers crossing into the country daily to work in various industries. This latest closure follows President Abinader’s efforts to curb the flow of Haitian migrants into the Dominican Republic, including the construction of a 118-mile border wall.

The dispute over the Massacre River reflects a deeper historical tension between the two nations. While a 2021 joint declaration acknowledged their shared right to use the river’s water, President Abinader alleges that the unauthorized canal construction was carried out by former Haitian politicians and local businessmen, underscoring Haiti’s ongoing governance and control challenges.

As the border remains closed indefinitely, the situation remains tense, with both nations facing significant economic and political consequences. The international community watches closely, hoping for a peaceful resolution to this dispute that has left Haitians and Dominicans alike grappling with uncertainty about their future.