The government of the Dominican Republic announced on Monday a provisional easing of trade restrictions at its border with Haiti.
Reports are that essential goods, including food and medications, will now be allowed to cross, targeting especially the needs of children.
This initiative is set to be enforced starting Wednesday in four specific border provinces.
Tense diplomatic background
This decision follows weeks of complete closure of all Dominican Republic’s land, air, and sea borders with Haiti.
The stringent measures were initially imposed due to a disagreement over the construction of a canal on Haitian territory.
This canal would divert water from the Massacre River to mitigate the drought affecting Haiti’s Maribaroux plain. This led to a diplomatic impasse between the two nations sharing the island of Hispaniola.
More on the tension between the Dominican Republic and Haiti
Dominican Republic closes border amid escalating tensions with Haiti
Bolstered border security
Furthermore, the Dominican Republic shared that it is fortifying its military presence along the border.
The government aims to deter potential gang members from entering Dominican territory, especially as a multinational force is set to arrive in Haiti.
The deployment of this multinational force comes after the approval by the UN Security Council in response to the instability in the Caribbean nation.
The government also plans to indefinitely extend the suspension of visas to Haitian citizens.
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