# Dominican Republic government reorganization > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/dominican-republic-government-reorganization > Updated: 2026-08-17T17:45:18.000Z. Sources: 48. Developments: 3. President Luis Abinader has initiated a broad reorganization of the Dominican Republic’s government through a series of administrative decrees. On August 15, 2026, the administration announced leadership changes across several state institutions, including the National Institute of Land Transit and Terrestrial Transport (INTRANT), the Emergency Operations Center (COE), Civil Defense, and the National Migration Institute. Other appointments were made within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Civil Aviation Board (JAC), and the Airport Department. Following these initial changes, the reorganization extended to the security sector on August 17, 2026. Under Decree 558-26, Major General Ernesto Rafael Rodríguez García, formerly the Inspector General of the National Police, was appointed Director General of the National Police, succeeding Major General Andrés Modesto Cruz Cruz, who was placed in honorable retirement. Cruz Cruz’s brief six-month tenure was marked by social unrest in Navarrete and debates regarding police use of force. To comply with organic laws, Rodríguez García was promoted to the rank of Major General. This transition was overseen by Minister of Interior and Police Faride Raful as part of an ongoing effort toward institutional reform. Public sentiment regarding the change remains mixed, with some citizens expressing skepticism about whether leadership changes alone will effectively reduce crime rates without deeper structural reforms. Simultaneously, Decree 557-26 implemented further restructuring within the military and civilian administration. Key military appointments include Major General Jimmy Arias Grullón as Commander General of the Army, Enmanuel Marcelino Souffront Tamayo as Commander General of the Air Force, Jorge Iván Camino Pérez as Inspector General of the Armed Forces, Enrique Aguilera Trujillo to lead CESFRONT, and Manuel Abad García Lithgow to lead CESAC. Additionally, Delio Buenaventura Colón Rosario was appointed Vice Minister of Defense for Military Affairs, and Guillermo Caro Cruz was named head of the Presidential Security Corps (CUSEP). ## Claims - Jimmy Arias Grullón was appointed Commander General of the Dominican Republic Army. (corroborated by 12 sources) - President Luis Abinader appointed new high-ranking military and police leaders through two decrees. (corroborated by 11 sources) - Enmanuel Marcelino Souffront Tamayo was appointed Commander General of the Dominican Republic Air Force. (corroborated by 10 sources) - Ernesto Rafael Rodríguez García was appointed Director General of the National Police. (corroborated by 10 sources) - Enrique Aguilera Trujillo was appointed Director General of the Specialized Land Border Security Corps (CESFRONT). (corroborated by 6 sources) - Manuel Abad García Lithgow was appointed Director General of the Specialized Body for Airport Security and Civil Aviation (CESAC). (corroborated by 6 sources) - The new military appointments in the Dominican Republic take effect on August 17, 2026. (corroborated by 6 sources) - Juan Manuel Méndez García assumed the Executive Direction of the National Institute of Transit and Land Transportation (INTRANT). (corroborated by 4 sources) - Proposed legislative changes would allow the military to capture and expel undocumented foreigners linked to criminal activities. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The Peruvian Armed Forces will assume perimeter control of prisons to combat criminality. (single source) - The military will use scanning equipment and metal detectors to control prison entrances. (single source) - The military will implement systems to block cell phone signals and monitor signal blockers and drones 24 hours a day. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-17: Dominican Republic appoints Ernesto Rodríguez García as National Police Director Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader has appointed Major General Ernesto Rodríguez García as the new Director General of the National Police, replacing Andrés Modesto Cruz Cruz. 17 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ernesto-rodrguez-garca-appointed-director-of-dominican-national-police ### 2026-08-17: Dominican Republic: President Abinader reshuffles military and police leadership President Luis Abinader has announced a major restructuring of the Dominican Republic's military, police, and administrative leadership, including new commanders for the Army, Air Force, and National Police. 32 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/military-security-updates-in-peru-and-dominican-republic ### 2026-08-15: Luis Abinader announces major Dominican government reshuffle President Luis Abinader has announced extensive government reshuffles in the Dominican Republic, appointing new heads for INTRANT, COE, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and several other key agencies. 37 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/intrant-drivers-license-system-generates-rd300-million-for-dominican-republic --- Cite as: Dominican Republic government reorganization. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/dominican-republic-government-reorganization