San Juan agricultural producers block roads over RD$500 million debt

Agricultural producers and machinery owners in San Juan de la Maguana and Elías Piña have launched protests against the Dominican government, demanding the payment of an estimated debt between RD$500 million and RD$550 million. The arrears reportedly stem from services provided to the Ministry of Agriculture, including land preparation, agricultural assistance, and the sale of beans and onions, with some claims dating back to 2021.

Demonstrators used over 200 tractors to block major transit routes, including the Sánchez highway, causing significant traffic congestion between San Juan and Santo Domingo. During the unrest, the National Police detained five agricultural leaders—Robín Alcántara, Félix David García, Félix Jiménez, Ramón Ferreras, and José Alberto Báez—who claimed they were taken under the guise of a dialogue and subsequently held.

Following intense overnight negotiations involving local authorities and government officials, a 15-day truce was reached. Protesters agreed to remove the machinery from public roads to allow for a period of waiting, provided the government acts to resolve the financial obligations. Leaders emphasized that they seek effective solutions rather than further promises to avoid a resurgence of the blockade.