On Monday, October 26, during the Dominican program LA Agenda Semanal, broadcast on RTVD Channel 4, President Luis Abinader—in a discussion with Minister of Defense Lieutenant General Carlos Antonio Fernández Onofre, clarified the country’s stance. "For us, security does not begin at our border. It begins approximately 20 kilometers from the border, on the Haitian side," the head of state declared. "Out of a sense of responsibility, we will not permit the presence of gangs within this distance, as it falls under our security threshold. We will act in coordination with the Haitian government; we will not tolerate these gangs within 20 kilometers of the border," he asserted. "Should such a situation arise, the country would act in coordination with the Haitian authorities."

This statement outlines a reventive position by the Dominican government regarding the territorial expansion of criminal organizations in Haiti. However, Abinader did not specify what measures would be taken if gangs were to establish themselves within this security perimeter, nor did he detail the coordination mechanisms planned with Haiti.

In his remarks, the Minister of Defense stated that Haitian armed groups have remained at a distance from the entry points into Dominican territory "Since the beginning of this process, they have stayed where they are; they have not advanced toward our borders." Nevertheless, he highlighted two areas requiring particular attention : National Road 8, which connects Jimaní to Port-au-Prince, and Road 305, which links Elías Piña to Haitian localities such as Belladère, Lascahobas, and Mirebalais. Although he noted that gangs control certain stretches of these roads, he insisted that there is no evidence to suggest their presence at Dominican border crossings.

Fernández Onofre also stated that no presence of major Haitian criminal organizations has been detected in areas near Dajabón, Pedernales, or other commercial trading points.

According to information provided by the government, while gangs continue to expand their influence over strategic routes in Haiti, no direct approach toward key Dominican border crossings has been observed thus far.

SL/ HaitiLibre