President Luis Abinader announced a comprehensive reinforcement of security across the Dominican border on the evening of 6 April 2026, following an emergency meeting of the National Security and Defense Council at the Ministry of Defense. The move comes as a direct response to the deteriorating security landscape in Haiti, where the High Command of the Haitian Armed Forces has declared “Condition D” that is the highest state of alert, effective as of 6 April 2026.
The presidential directive follows the 1 April 2026 arrival of the first contingent of the Gang Suppression Force (GSF), a UN Security Council-backed mission tasked with stabilizing the neighboring nation. Despite international intervention, violence has surged. Last week, the Haitian National Police reported intense clashes in the Artibonite department, north of Port-au-Prince, following a massacre attributed to armed groups that left at least 70 people dead.
President Abinader emphasized that the defense of Dominican territory and the preservation of public order are “non-negotiable responsibilities.” He confirmed that the Armed Forces of the Dominican Republic are fully deployed and on high alert to respond to any cross-border contingencies.
“The current international context is complex,” Abinader stated, noting that while the Dominican Republic acts with “responsibility and prudence,” the long-term stabilization of Haiti will require sustained commitment from the global community.
The nation’s top security and diplomatic officials participated in the high-level security meeting of the Consejo de Seguridad y Defensa Nacional to ensure a coordinated response. Participating in the meeting were Minister of Defense, Lieutenant General Carlos Antonio Fernández Onofre; Minister of the Presidency José Ignacio Paliza; Minister of Foreign Relations Roberto Álvarez; Minister of Interior and Police Faride Raful; and Commander General of the Dominican Army, Major General Jorge Iván Camino.
Economic consultations and social impact
Beyond military deployment, the President announced he will initiate consultations with various productive sectors to mitigate any economic fallout or trade disruptions resulting from the border tightening. This proactive engagement aims to balance national security requirements with the continuity of local commerce.
The Dominican government continues to monitor the situation closely as the GSF begins its operations in Haiti, maintaining that the integrity of the 391-kilometer border remains the administration’s primary focus.
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N Digital
El Dia
6 April 2026