The president of the Dominican Republic issued a warning at the U.N. General Assembly regarding the escalating gang violence in neighboring Haiti. President Luis Abinader emphasized the need for urgent action to address the situation, stating that his administration would consider taking 'drastic measures' if the U.N.-backed mission in Haiti fails to effectively combat the violence.
Gangs in Haiti currently control a significant portion of the capital, Port-au-Prince, with their influence expanding following the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in July 2021. The surge in violence has resulted in over 3,600 reported deaths in the first half of this year, marking a substantial increase compared to the same period last year. Additionally, the violence has displaced nearly 700,000 Haitians and prompted thousands to flee the country.
President Abinader expressed gratitude to Kenya for leading the mission in Haiti, which is supported by police officers from various countries. However, the current deployment falls short of the 2,500 personnel pledged for the mission, raising concerns about its effectiveness. Abinader stressed the importance of establishing the mission fully to facilitate free and transparent elections in Haiti, which have not been held since 2016.
The ongoing instability in Haiti has had significant implications for the Dominican Republic, with President Abinader highlighting the strain on the country's security and social services. The Dominican government has faced criticism for its treatment of Haitians, with activists accusing authorities of human rights violations. Abinader reiterated the government's commitment to upholding human rights and emphasized the need for international support to address the crisis in Haiti.
At the U.N. meeting, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken discussed the mission in Haiti and announced additional funding to assist Haitians. The U.N. Secretary-General also underscored the urgent need to improve security in Haiti to pave the way for crucial elections and described the humanitarian situation in the country as dire.
The situation in Haiti remains a pressing concern for regional stability and human rights, with international efforts focused on addressing the root causes of violence and instability in the country.
