Since the hasty and disproportionate decisions made by Dominican President Luis Abinader, who severed commercial and migratory relations between his country and Haiti by closing maritime, land, and air borders, the harmonious relations along the border between the two countries have become strained.
On Tuesday, November 7, 2023, there could have been a serious incident, even loss of life, when Dominican soldiers entered the Haitian side to carry out intimidations.
All of this took place not far from the construction site of the irrigation canal on the Massacre River, the subject of the dispute between the two countries.
This display or attempted Dominican intimidation comes after the visit of the OAS mission. Some interpret it as a maneuver to escalate tension in anticipation of a report that may have significant implications.
For decades, the two countries have managed to maintain calm along the border, and now President Abinader's bluster is disrupting the established balance.
Border incidents are never straightforward and rarely without consequences. Both countries have an interest in monitoring what happens at the border for the sake of future relations.
Haiti and the Dominican Republic are two countries linked by geography that misguided policies can tear apart.