D.R. begins Construction of Border Wall with Haiti

Migrants accumulate at the border between Haiti and the Dominican Republic. (Wikimedia Commons).

The Dominican Republic began constructing a border with Haiti in late February, per Reuters. The Guardian reported that the concrete barrier is projected to span nearly half of the 244-mile long border between the two countries. According to Deutsche Welle, the wall will stand at a height of 12.8 feet and be equipped with fiber optics, movement sensors, cameras, radars and drones. The goal of the wall is to combat irregular migration and illegal smuggling-- both of which have been exacerbated by gang violence, earthquakes, and the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moise in July 2021, per Reuters.

The Guardian reported that Dominican President Luis Abinader highlighted the border wall project’s significance at a ground-breaking ceremony in the Dominican border town of Dajabón. He said, “The benefit for both nations will be of great importance.” Abinader also stressed his view that the Dominican Republic cannot manage the unfolding crisis in Haiti, stating, “Each time Haiti has suffered a catastrophe, the Dominicans have always been the first to arrive with help. However, the Dominican Republic cannot take charge of the political and economic crisis in Haiti.”

Not all opinions on the wall are as positive as that of President Abinader. Some fear that the wall will lead to increased bribery and corruption. According to Deutsche Welle, the mayor of Dajabón, Santiago Riverón, expressed disapproval of the wall to the AFP news agency, claiming that border soldiers allow migrants to illegally cross in exchange for bribes. Nonprofit organizations working on issues between the two nations also reacted negatively, claiming that the wall will exacerbate existing problems. 

Per Insight Crime, the first phase of wall’s construction will be completed within nine months at an estimated cost of $31 million.