Dominican President Signals Strong Response If Haiti’s Anti-Gang Mission Falls Short

Dominican President Luis Abinader warned of potential “drastic measures” to protect his country if the U.N.-backed mission in Haiti to tackle gang violence fails. The mission is currently under-resourced, with gangs controlling 80% of Port-au-Prince, contributing to a humanitarian crisis that has seen nearly 700,000 Haitians displaced. Abinader emphasized the importance of stabilizing Haiti to ensure the country’s elections and highlighted the Dominican Republic’s disproportionate burden in addressing the fallout from the crisis.

On Wednesday, President Luis Abinader of the Dominican Republic warned that his government would implement “drastic measures” to safeguard the nation if a United Nations-supported initiative aimed at combating gang violence in Haiti fails to yield results. Although he refrained from detailing specific actions, his statement at the U.N. General Assembly underscored the urgency to address the escalating crisis in the neighboring country. He highlighted that gangs currently dominate 80% of Port-au-Prince, which has contributed to widespread displacement, with nearly 700,000 Haitians rendered homeless. Abinader expressed gratitude towards Kenya for leading the mission—with nearly 400 police personnel supported by additional forces from Jamaica and Belize. However, he criticized the mission for lacking adequate resources, as it currently only has a fraction of the 2,500 personnel promised by various nations. Emphasizing the need for a robust presence to ensure free elections in Haiti, Abinader stated, “We cannot allow the effort made to date to fail. If that were to happen, Haiti’s collapse would be imminent.” He also addressed the regional consequences of Haiti’s instability, noting that the Dominican Republic has assumed a disproportionate burden in managing the fallout from the crisis. Abinader reported that a substantial percentage of medical appointments in his country involved Haitians, alongside a significant number of Haitian-origin minors enrolled in Dominican schools. The President reaffirmed the nation’s commitment to human rights, despite criticism from activists regarding the treatment of Haitians. He mentioned, “The Dominican government is profoundly committed to protecting human rights.” In the economic context, Abinader reported improvements in the Dominican Republic, including the lowest poverty rate in history and a reduction in the murder rate to 10 per 100,000 inhabitants. As the diplomatic discussions continue, the President of Haiti’s transitional council is slated to address the U.N. assembly, potentially augmenting dialogue regarding the situation in their country.

The crisis in Haiti, which escalated following the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in July 2021, has led to an alarming increase in gang power and violence throughout the capital, Port-au-Prince. The control exerted by gangs over vast areas has resulted in humanitarian emergencies, displacing nearly 700,000 residents and driving thousands to seek refuge in the Dominican Republic. The U.N. has initiated a mission to enhance security and aid in stabilizing the situation, spearheaded by Kenyan troops alongside international support. However, the mission has not received the pledged personnel or resources, raising concerns about its efficacy. President Abinader’s statements indicate a recognition of the interconnectedness of the two nations’ security and humanitarian challenges, highlighting the Dominican Republic’s vested interest in a stable Haiti.

In conclusion, President Luis Abinader’s recent remarks at the U.N. underline the urgency for a successful international response to the Haitian crisis, as failure could have dire consequences for the Dominican Republic. His call for action reflects both a commitment to humanitarian principles and a pragmatic approach to regional security. The Dominican government’s ongoing efforts, alongside the need for collaborative international focus on Haiti, demonstrate the complexities of managing cross-border crises in pursuit of stability and human rights.

Original Source: apnews.com