Two countries riddled with contentious history have developed a new feud to add to their everlasting list. Haiti and the DR share one island in the Caribbean, but that is where the sharing ends. The two countries fought in the 1800's in which the DR was able to gain independence over the French backed Haitians. Since then, the two have developed vastly different cultures, a passionate hatred for one another, and have gone completely different paths. Haiti is a nation experiencing everything that go wrong in a country including a presidential assassination in 2021, gangs overrunning the streets, and poverty sweeping the nation. The Dominican Republic on the other hand continues to be a tourist hot spot as 16% of their total GDP comes from the tourism industry.
Recently in September, the Dominican Republic sealed its borders and froze Haitian visas over a dispute involving the Massacre River, a river that stretches 220 miles of the countries borders. The DR claims full use of it, however the Haitian government says they also have full right of use. The two countries met for negotiations but after 11 hours, nothing was resolved. An arising issue that comes with this closure of the border is Haitians rely greatly on trade with the DR. As the DR is Haiti's third largest trading partner, Haiti's already high starvation rate could increase.
The conflict stems from a 1929 agreement between the countries in which they are both granted access to the water. The problem is the Haitian government has begun an excavation of the river which Dominican officials say will severely affect their countries farmers. The Massacre River is already home to 11 canals on the Dominican side, so many wonder if this response was somewhat of an overreaction. Since then, the DR has partially opened their borders but the water dispute persists. Haitians continue to worry about their current and future food supply as the lack of water greatly hinders their agricultural industry.
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/14/world/americas/dominican-republic-haiti-border-water.html
A very tentative issue. Though it seems like a lot of information regarding the dispute, is still missing. Or there are extra effects being applied behind the scenes that aren't being fully analyzed in this whole situation. There could be other factors at play here to cause such aggressive responses.
ReplyDeleteThis is a very interesting conflict as both countries will ultimately need to have access to the river no matter the outcome. It is interesting that Haiti is harming the farmers use of the river despite needing to trade with the DR. I think the countries can come to an agreement, however someone may have to sacrifice some money or land which will not be a popular idea.
ReplyDeleteI recently went the Dominican Republic and this was very interesting to read! One of the bartenders at the resort, his parents were from Haiti so we spoke a lot about their living conditions while there. I am thankful the Dominican Republic opened back up their boarders, and hope they can resolve this conflict.
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