In an unprecedented display of national unity, former Presidents Leonel Fernández, Hipólito Mejía, and Danilo Medina met on Wednesday, 14 May 2025 with President Luis Abinader to address the escalating crisis in Haiti and its profound impact on the Dominican Republic’s security, economy, and stability. President Abinader and former Presidents Fernández, Mejía, and Medina emphasized that this meeting marks a milestone in political maturity and national unity.
Leonel Fernandez was President for Dominican Liberation Party (PLD) for the terms 1996-2000, 2004-2008 and 2012. Hipólito Mejía was President from 2000-2004 for the Dominican Revolutionary Party (PRD). And Danilo Medina was President from 2012-2016 and 2016-2020.
The Presidency reported that the two-hour meeting held at the Ministry of Defense, fostered a candid, patriotic, and constructive dialogue. President Abinader, accompanied by key officials including Foreign Minister Roberto Álvarez and Defense Minister Lt. Gen. Carlos Antonio Fernández Onofre, engaged in a detailed briefing on the border, migration, and security situation. Following this, a private session between the president and the former heads of state focused on strategic scenarios and collaborative action plans.
The summit produced four pivotal agreements to shape national Haiti policy:
• Joint working groups: Establishment of collaborative platforms between the government and former presidents to formulate a coherent national policy on Haiti.
• Economic and Social Council (CES) convening: A joint session of the CES, attended by the president and former presidents, to discuss and finalize actionable proposals.
• Regular security briefings: Periodic reports to the former presidents on national security developments related to the Haitian situation.
• Unified foreign policy: Coordinated diplomatic efforts, facilitated through bilateral meetings between the President and former Presidents.
“The tone of this meeting was one of patriotic commitment, respectful listening, and responsible action. It sends a clear message that, faced with a common threat, the Dominican Republic acts as one nation,” stated Homero Figueroa, President Abinader’s spokesperson.
The spokesman said that the leaders acknowledged the severity of Haiti’s crisis, characterized by a lack of functional government, widespread control by armed gangs, and an inability to provide essential services. They recognized the Dominican government’s persistent efforts to alert the international community and its diplomatic initiatives at the UN Security Council, OAS, Caricom, and with the US, Canada, and the European Union, supporting the multinational mission to aid the Haitian National Police.
The former Presidents received updates on the progress of the intelligent perimeter fence, military deployments, and advanced technology used to bolster border control. They also endorsed a comprehensive development strategy for border provinces, including investments in infrastructure, health, education, and employment, as part of an integrated security vision.
The meeting reaffirmed the commitment to rigorous law enforcement in migration matters, while upholding human rights. It was reiterated that the Dominican Republic cannot bear the burden of the Haitian crisis alone, and that a definitive solution must be found within Haiti, with strong international support.
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Presidency
Presidency
15 May 2025