Haiti Takes Control of Controversial Canal Project, Prompting Border Closures

The Haitian government is moving forward with the construction of a canal on Haitian soil, despite objections from the Dominican Republic, which has closed all borders in response. The canal aims to divert water from a river shared by both countries, raising concerns about its impact on crops and people in the region. The Dominican Republic argues that the construction violates a treaty and would harm its farmers and the environment. Tensions between the two countries are escalating, with the Dominican government reactivating an old canal to ensure water for local farmers. Dominican President Luis Abinader has called for international intervention to address the surge in gang violence in Haiti.