Reports are that activity at the Dajabon binational market was back on Monday, 18 December 2023, with a large attendance of Haitian citizens. Haitian authorities allowed Haitians to enter and return with their goods.
Dominican authorities took the biometric data of the Haitians if they went beyond the market when entering the country. Haitians have asked that the collection of biometric data be eliminated because they understand the process is too slow.
Before the impasse over the construction of the Masacre/Dajabon River impasse, undocumented Haitians were allowed to enter on market days. Those crossing via the Ouanaminthe/Dajabon gate were required to show their biometric identification. The measure is now modified to allow exclusive entrance to the Dajabon market.
The mayor of Dajabón, Santiago Riverón, said the Dominican government has delivered nearly RD$5 million as compensation to merchants affected by the closure of the market in mid September 2023. Dominican authorities opened to trade again in October, but Haitians did not open their side of the gate.
Now, Dominican traders appear positive. El Dia reports there is hope that the market can continue to develop normally and without setbacks and merchants will be able to recover part of the losses they had due to the market closure.
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El Dia
19 December 2023