Dominican Republic: Authorities to close land, air, and sea borders with Haiti from 06:00 Sept. 15 over canal dispute /update 2

Event

Officials in the Dominican Republic have announced that the country will close its land, air, and sea borders with Haiti from 06:00 Sept. 15. The move comes in response to the construction of a canal on the Haitian side of the countries' shared land border that would divert water from the Masacre River (Dajabon River), which runs along the border, to Haitian farms. The border closure marks a major diplomatic escalation by Dominican authorities, who recently closed the Dajabon border crossing with Haiti and suspended the issuance of visas to Haitian citizens over the issue.

Dominican officials have demanded that the Haitian farmers' group behind the excavation immediately cease construction of the channel, asserting that the work violates a 1929 treaty. Although Dominican authorities have said that negotiations with Port-au-Prince would continue over the issue, they have also threatened to send a "peace force" to Haiti to halt the construction if Haitian authorities fail to do so themselves. For their part, Haitian officials say that the construction of the canal does not have government support. Authorities in the Dominican Republic did not immediately specify how long the border closure would remain in place, maintaining that it would last "as long as necessary" with support from the country's security forces.

Cross-border transport and business operations will experience significant disruptions while the border closure remains in effect. Dominican officials will almost certainly maintain a heightened security presence along the border until the dispute is resolved. Protests denouncing the closure are possible on both sides of the border. Security forces will likely monitor any demonstrations that materialize and may attempt to forcibly disperse demonstrators. Clashes between protesters and security forces cannot be ruled out.

Advice

Avoid any demonstrations that materialize. Plan for significant disruptions to cross-border transport, shipping, and other business; consider making alternative plans for passenger travel and freight shipment. Avoid concentrations of security forces if operating in the border region. Remain calm and cooperative if approached by security personnel. Heed authorities' instructions.