In response to the escalating political instability in Haiti, the Ministry of Defense has decided to “seal” the border with increased patrols composed of highly trained military units that are ready to enter into action against any adverse situation that might arise. Yesterday, Wednesday 14 January 2015, Haitian opposition groups campaigning for the resignation of President Michel Martelly called for civil disobedience and stepped up street protests.
In Haiti, the Martelly government installed Evans Paul as new prime minister at a time when parliament has been dissolved. Martelly is currently ruling by decree because of the differences with lawmakers.
Nevertheless, despite the critical political situation in Haiti, Cesfront commander General Carlos Aguirre has denied that they would increase border security and added that the current patrols are adequate for dealing with any problems that may arise because of the call issued by the opposition. Aguirre said that there are constant patrols now, and that they have attracted many people’s attention. The high-ranking officer said that since launching “Operation Shield” they have stopped undocumented migrants from entering at this time of the year, when many try to enter the country in the company of relatives who are returning after spending their Christmas vacations in Haiti.
In the first two weeks of January, the Armed Forces returned more than 15,000 Haitians, nearly 1,000 per day. General Aguirre said that the troops are well equipped and are patrolling the area in order to guarantee the prevention of regrettable incidents at the border. He added that they have taken all the necessary precautions. All Haitians arrested trying to enter the country illegally are questioned in detail in order to establish their true identity and to find out whether they are fugitives from Haitian justice. One Ministry of Defense source told Diario Libre that the soldiers serving in the border areas are rotated every two weeks.
http://www.diariolibre.com/noticias/2015/01/15/i968651_ministerio-defensa-sella-frontera-por-inestabilidad-hait.html