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Santo Domingo, September 21, 2024 – The Dominican government has confirmed it will continue building a wall along its nearly 400-kilometer border with Haiti. Minister of the Presidency, José Ignacio Paliza, announced that the wall will be a key priority for President Luis Abinader’s administration over the next four years, focusing on national security and controlling irregular immigration.
Paliza stressed the importance of the wall in aiding the Ministry of Defense’s efforts to secure the border. “The government of President Abinader will maintain the construction of the wall in the coming years. This initiative greatly supports our defense forces in safeguarding our territory and preventing illegal activities,” Paliza said during a visit to an industrial free-trade zone near the border.
He also noted that the wall will help formalize trade between the Dominican Republic and Haiti. As the two nations share the island of Hispaniola, cross-border commerce plays a crucial role in their relationship, despite periodic challenges.
The current phase of the wall, located near the northwestern town of Dajabón, is expected to be inaugurated in the coming months. Paliza emphasized that the wall is a long-term project and will continue to expand. “This is a project that will not end,” he said, adding that further extensions are planned to increase the wall’s length.
In addition to addressing irregular immigration, Paliza highlighted the wall’s objectives in reducing drug and arms trafficking, curbing livestock theft, and improving national security.
Background on Relations with Haiti
This announcement comes in the wake of a complex history between the Dominican Republic and Haiti. In 2023, relations were strained after Haiti began constructing a canal diverting water from the Massacre River, a shared waterway along the border. The Dominican government opposed the project, labeling it illegal, and responded with several measures, including closing the border and suspending visas for Haitian citizens.
While the wall’s construction began prior to this dispute, the ongoing situation has brought added attention to the project. The Dominican government views the wall as a crucial step in managing immigration and trade, though some critics argue it highlights deeper issues regarding Haitian migrants and broader relations between the two nations.
Security and Trade Objectives
For the Dominican government, the wall represents a significant investment in border security and order. Paliza reiterated the country’s commitment to completing the project as part of its broader strategy to protect national interests. He also stressed the potential benefits for both nations, particularly through the formalization of trade, which could help improve economic exchanges in a more structured and legal framework.
As the Dominican Republic continues construction, it remains focused on addressing issues related to immigration, crime prevention, and trade regulation. How this project will shape future interactions between the two countries remains to be seen, but for now, the Dominican government is committed to completing the border wall.
