Dominican President Cautions of Severe Actions if Haiti Anti-Gang Mission Fails
President Luis Abinader of the Dominican Republic warned of potential drastic measures if the UN-backed mission in Haiti to curb gang violence fails. Gangs control 80% of Port-au-Prince, contributing to significant instability and humanitarian crises in Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Abinader urged for the mission’s success to enable free elections, emphasizing the crisis’s regional implications and the Dominican Republic’s heightened security responsibilities. The remarks coincide with ongoing criticism of human rights conditions for Haitians in the Dominican Republic and the need for international cooperation to address these challenges.
The President of the Dominican Republic, Luis Abinader, cautioned on Wednesday about the implementation of “drastic measures” should the United Nations-backed mission in Haiti to combat gang violence prove unsuccessful. Speaking at the U.N. General Assembly in New York, President Abinader did not specify the nature of these potential actions. The insecurity in Haiti is severe, with gangs reportedly controlling approximately 80% of Port-au-Prince since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in July 2021. This violence has displaced nearly 700,000 individuals and prompted thousands to flee to the Dominican Republic, which shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti. Abinader extended his gratitude to Kenya for leading the mission in Haiti, which currently comprises nearly 400 Kenyan police officers, supplemented by a small number of personnel from Jamaica and Belize. However, this number falls short of the 2,500 troops pledged by various nations, raising concerns over the mission’s effectiveness. The Dominican President emphasized the importance of establishing this mission fully to facilitate free and fair elections in Haiti, noting the lack of electoral processes since 2016. He expressed urgency, stating, “Practically one year from the holding of elections, the conditions are still not in place to do so.” Abinader warned that a failure of the current mission could lead to catastrophic instability in Haiti, implying a ripple effect on the Dominican Republic itself. Reflecting on the regional instability, he highlighted the Dominican Republic’s significant burden in dealing with the repercussions of Haiti’s crisis, pointing out that 10% of medical services provided were to Haitians, and a significant majority of foreign minors in the Dominican education system are of Haitian descent. Human rights activists have frequently critiqued Abinader’s administration regarding its treatment of Haitians and their descendants in the Dominican Republic. Abinader has consistently rebuffed these allegations, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to human rights while also addressing the Dominican Republic’s notable economic progress and decreasing crime rates, which he claimed to be the lowest in the country’s history. Finally, the President of Haiti’s transitional presidential council, Edgard Leblanc Fils, was scheduled to address the U.N. General Assembly the following day, highlighting ongoing international dialogue regarding the crisis.
The situation in Haiti has deteriorated significantly in recent years, primarily due to escalating gang violence that has culminated in widespread instability. The absence of a functioning government and the failure to hold elections since 2016 have exacerbated the crisis. The Haitian population faces dire circumstances, with vast numbers of displaced persons and violent gang activities threatening basic safety and security. As a neighboring country, the Dominican Republic has been heavily impacted, leading to considerable concern regarding the spill-over effects of Haiti’s instability, including humanitarian, security, and economic challenges that necessitate international intervention.
In conclusion, President Luis Abinader’s warning regarding potential drastic measures underscores the seriousness of the situation in Haiti and its implications for the Dominican Republic. The success of the UN mission in Haiti remains critical for regional stability, and Abinader’s remarks reflect both a plea for urgent international assistance and an indication of the complexities surrounding human rights and migration issues between the two countries. As tensions mount, the focus will remain on diplomatic efforts to restore order and governance in Haiti.
Original Source: apnews.com
