Haiti - Security : High-tension on the border of Ouanaminthe
Thursday, Blas Peralta, the President of the National Federation of Dominican Transportation (Fenatrado), confirmed that 27 trailers and Dominican trucks loaded with goods including several with cement and rebars but also food, are blocked in Haiti [24 in the customs area of Ouanaminthe and 3 at the exit of Cap-Haitien], because of planned protests and threats of retaliation against Dominicans drivers.
As of Wednesday, the members of the riot special unit of the National Police of Haiti, were sent to reinforce security of the Consulates of Ouanaminthe and Cap-Haitien. On the Dominican side, the CESFRONT (Cuerpo Especializado de Seguridad Fronteriza Terrestre), of the Dominican army and other state security agencies have redoubled vigilance in Dajabón, on the entire area where stands the binational market.
Haitian authorities fearing for the safety of Dominican drivers, asked them to return to their country in order not to expose their lives and risk of aggravating an already tense situation between the two countries. However, Customs has decided to retain the trucks, because they were already registered at customs, which angered the Dominican drivers and is likely to further complicate relations between the two countries.
Yesterday afternoon Jhovanny Escoto, Representative of the Fenatrado, in Dajabón, tried unsuccessfully with Haitian customs authorities to release the trucks. Blas Peralta after consulting with the base, warned the Dominicans drivers, asking them to no longer cross into Haitian territory until the situation returns to normal and that property and personal safety is assured, while also demanding the return of 27 trucks in Dominican territory.
