Dom. Republic Shuts Borders With Haiti

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC – The Dominican Republic shut its entire border with neighboring Haiti at 6 Friday morning.

It came a day after President Luis Abinader told reporters the drastic action would be taken, amid a conflict over the construction of a water channel from a shared river.

Santo Domingo is seeking the immediate halt of construction works, saying the closure would last “As long as necessary” with backing from the country’s military and police forces, though talks with the Haitian government would continue.

The Dominican Republic has a strained relationship with its neighbor and has tightened border security, deporting tens of thousands fleeing worsening gang warfare in their country.