The critical situation in Haiti, with criminal gangs controlling the country, can only be solved by the actions advocated for years by the President of the Dominican Republic, backed by those who have the capacity to present a force of action equal in firepower to that of the gangs. So far, international pressure has resulted in the resignation of Haiti’s interim president, Ariel Henry.
Haiti is a global, not regional, problem and therefore can only be solved through the involvement of major powers, both economically and militarily. It’s not about seeking a war in Haiti because the war is already a reality. The issue lies in the fact that if one wants to end the control by criminal gangs, it is necessary to be able to present a front where there is equality in firepower.
The hundred or so Haitian gangs have very sophisticated weaponry because they are well financed by those who benefit from Haiti’s resources from other countries in the Americas. It may seem contradictory, especially considering that the country is one of the poorest in the world. However, illegal extraction of natural resources, drug trafficking, human trafficking, and arms smuggling are illicit businesses that generate a lot of money.
For this reason, the international mission of the United Nations must be led by the major economic and military powers. Yesterday, at the emergency meeting organized by the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) held in Jamaica, the United States, Canada, and France were present. Possible solutions to end Haiti’s current situation were discussed at the meeting. The involvement of these three countries is crucial, as they have the capacity to quickly organize a shock force under the mandate of the United Nations to end the criminal gangs. According to sources consulted, there seems to be a willingness to do so.
On the other hand, international pressure following that CARICOM meeting seems to be bearing fruit from a purely political standpoint. Haiti’s interim president, Ariel Henry, announced in the last hours his resignation from his position and thus allowing a political transition. Specifically, Henry announced through a video that his government will resign “immediately after the installation of a transitional council.” Additionally, the resigning president urged Haitians to remain calm.
In other words, events are now unfolding based on the demands and requests made by the President of the Dominican Republic, Luis Abinader, since 2020, which were only acted upon in September 2023.
The Dominican Republic has been playing a role that it should not have regarding Haiti for many decades. President Luis Abinader has always been an advocate that his country could not interfere in Haitian politics or, of course, the will of the Haitian people. However, the control of criminal gangs has reached such an extreme that it has even caused border conflicts following the illegal construction of a canal that diverts the course of the Masacre River (Dajabón), which is of shared sovereignty.
For this reason, the Dominican Republic has made a difficult but justified decision: not to “get involved in internal decisions that belong exclusively to the Haitian people.” However, Abinader’s government firmly supports resolutions issued by the United Nations Security Council. “It is crucial that the Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti finally deploys as soon as possible, for which it is essential that the promised funds are disbursed immediately. The transition process in Haiti should include the most significant and representative voices of the Haitian people distinguished by their ethical and moral integrity. Above all, it must avoid any course of action that contradicts or hinders the implementation of relevant Security Council resolutions,” states a statement from the Dominican government.
It is important to emphasize that the responsibility for solving the crisis in Haiti lies exclusively with the international community. The fact that the Dominican Republic is a neighboring country does not, per se, grant it any responsibility. For this reason, Luis Abinader’s government has made it very clear that “it is necessary for the international community to support the formation of a new government that represents the will of the Haitian people and is backed by the outgoing government to ensure its legitimacy,” an action that, of course, must be supported by absolute respect for human rights.
In this situation, the silence of the Dominican opposition led by Abel Martínez and Leonel Fernández is surprising. They are leaving the Abinader government alone in a scenario where the people of the Dominican Republic look with astonishment as their political class has not aligned around the government to present a united position to the world. Instead of demonstrating their patriotism, the leaders of the opposition parties have chosen to remain on the sidelines. They are only there to garner votes; they are only interested in votes. They have shown that the welfare of the people is a secondary concern for them, which politically, morally, and ethically disqualifies them from exercising the Presidency.
Domínguez Moreno
