The military presence and members of the Corps specialized in land border security (Cesfront) was considerably reinforced in Dajabón after the incident on Sunday, November 3rd, 2023 where Haitian police officers threw tear gas grenades at an informal market which was being held in Dominican territory along the border fence patrol route on the west side, before entering Dominican territory with weapons to violently seize goods purchased by Haitians https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-41123-haiti-flash-the-pnh-violated-dominican-territory-at-the-border-video.html

The intervention of Haitian police officers was strongly criticized by the inhabitants of Dajabón, who described this action on Dominican territory as illegal and a provocation of the Dominican armed forces.

In retaliation, a group of Dajabón traders carry out constant patrols on Capotillo Street (a place very frequented by many Haitian traders) and in other areas, to prevent Haitians from trading.

In response to these events, Dajabón was militarized, military forces were deployed in the streets, parks and public spaces of the municipality, with increased patrols observed in various sectors of this border area.

During a tour with the municipal police to verify that Haitians are not carrying out commercial activities in Dajabón, Mayor Santiago Riverón declared that foreigners who are not in a legal situation to do business will be expelled from the territory "[...] those who sell bananas, cell phone accessories, clothes and other merchants, all will be expelled."

Monday, November 4th, 2023, President Luis Abinader speaking in the TV program "Semana de la prensa" described the incursion of Haitian police officers into Dominican territory as a provocation. He said that the Chancellery was preparing a note of diplomatic protest over the incident, and assured that the Government will be very firm

The Commander of the army, Major General Carlos Antonio Fernández Onofre, also intervened, explaining that when military reinforcements arrived on the scene the Haitian police (PNH) and Border Police (PoliFront) finally returned to Haiti ...

For his part, former President Leonel Fernández, presidential candidate, condemned this Monday the action committed by Haitian police officers who entered Dominican territory. On his "X" account (formerly Twitter) he wrote "We find it unacceptable and reprehensible that members of the Haitian police entered Dominican territory, attacking traders and destroying their products in a violent manner." He also described this act as of "irresponsible and provocative," affirming "The security and sovereignty of our country cannot be compromised in this way" calling for a firm defense of "our land and our people."

Furthermore in Haiti, Haitian truckers and unions in Ouanaminthe blocked the main road leading to Cap-Haïtien for abuse of authority in Haiti. Small merchants say they are tired of the abuses of the Ouanaminthe authorities, who claim to charge a toll to Haitians who buy and sell in the markets and inform that the demonstrations will begin from Tuesday (November 5), as a result, the unions are calling on citizens to exercise caution and not send their children to schools.

See also :

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-41123-haiti-flash-the-pnh-violated-dominican-territory-at-the-border-video.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-41118-haiti-flash-dajabon-binational-market-closed-pedernales-open.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-40919-haiti-flash-high-tension-a-group-of-haitians-confront-the-dominican-soldiers-in-ouanaminthe-video.html

SL/ HaitiLibre