Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader threatened neighboring country Haiti, which is building a canal on the Masacre River, which passes between the two countries, to completely close the border.
In the statement made by the Dominican Republic government, it was announced that if Haiti does not stop the canal it is building on the Masacre River, the land border will be closed, as well as air and sea trade will be stopped.
In the news in the local media, it was stated that Abinader suspended visas for Haitians until further notice and that if the canal being built on the Masacre River is not stopped by Thursday, he will order the complete closure of the border.
The Masacre River, which is extremely important for the two countries, is of vital importance in the use of drinking water as well as in the irrigation of agricultural lands.
According to the Dominican Republic, which is Haiti’s third trading partner, it is argued that if the canal is built, some of the water will flow into Haitian territory and the water of the river will seriously decrease.
In his statement last year, Dominican Republic President Abinader announced that a 190-kilometer wall would be built on the border, citing the gang wars in Haiti and the intense immigration flow to the country.
It is estimated that Haiti, which is struggling with a deep economic and social crisis, will suffer a huge blow to its economy if the border with the Dominican Republic is closed.
The opinions expressed herein are the author’s and not necessarily those of News2Sea.
#Dominican #Republic #President #Abinader #threatens #close #border #Haiti