The Dominican Republic has unveiled new measures aimed at strengthening its border and tightening migration control as Haiti grapples with escalating violence and instability. President Luis Abinader, in a national address on Sunday, announced the deployment of an additional 1,500 troops to the Haitian border, bringing the total number of security personnel in the area to 11,000.
The Dominican leader, re-elected on promises to restrict immigration, also revealed plans to fast-track the construction of a border wall. So far, 54 kilometres of the 300-kilometre border barrier have been completed. The latest directive will see a further 13 kilometres added as part of the administration’s intensified efforts to curb illegal crossings.
Also Read: Haiti’s Crisis Deepens As Thousands Displaced By Violence
Abinader said legal reforms are also being pursued to introduce stiffer penalties for individuals or groups aiding undocumented migrants. He emphasised that the country would maintain firm policies despite calls to relax its stance as Haitians continue to flee worsening conditions in their homeland.
Violence in Haiti has surged, with powerful gangs now controlling much of Port-au-Prince. A 1,000-strong Kenyan peacekeeping force has so far been unable to restore order. The Dominican government has cited the growing insecurity as a key reason for its border clampdown.
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