Dominican Republic Implements Border Closure with Haiti Amidst Water Dispute
Hundreds of Haitians are returning from the Dominican Republic ahead of a total border shutdown announced by the Dominican president amid a conflict over the construction of a water channel from a shared river. The border closure, set to last "as long as necessary," aims to address the violation of a 1929 treaty. The Dominican Republic has tightened border security due to worsening gang warfare in Haiti and has been deporting tens of thousands of Haitians. The Haitian government asserts its sovereign right to exploit natural resources and vows to protect the interests of its people.