Haiti summons Dominican Republic ambassador following border patrol allegations

The Haitian Foreign Ministry has summoned the Dominican Republic ambassador following allegations of incursions into Haitian territory by Dominican Army patrols. Former deputy Vinicio Castillo Semán described the summons as a hostile act that could fuel anti-Dominican sentiment.

Castillo Semán noted that the move ignores significant diplomatic and financial efforts by the Dominican government to stabilize Haiti. This includes a 20 million dollar contribution toward a multinational force intended to suppress gang violence. He also highlighted President Luis Abinader’s international advocacy to secure aid for the country.

The situation follows a decline in security within Haiti, exacerbated by criminal gangs controlling large territories and the recent kidnapping of four Salvadoran military members. Castillo Semán expressed support for President Abinader’s decision to reinforce border security and urged the military to prepare contingency plans for a potential mass exodus of the Haitian population.