The president of the Dominican Republic has declared an indefinite closure of all borders with neighboring Haiti.
This decision comes in response to a canal excavation by a Haitian farming group that aims to use water from the Massacre River, a border river. Haitian authorities say the excavation doesn’t breach any bilateral agreements. The border closure is a blow to the economies of both nations; however, the effects are more profound in Haiti.
Dominican towns like Dajabon, a key economic hub for Haitian traders, are experiencing severe disruptions, causing substantial losses. The border closure also hampers daily cross border commute of Haitians working in the Dominican Republic. These implications extend far beyond simple logistics, impacting livelihoods, economies, and compelling individuals to make personal sacrifices. The conflict shows no signs of an early resolution.
