Amid the worsening crisis in Haiti and its growing impact on the Dominican Republic, President Luis Abinader convened an emergency meeting on May 14, 2025, with three former Dominican presidents: Leonel Fernández, Hipólito Mejía, and Danilo Medina.
The high-level talks, held at the National Palace in Santo Domingo, aimed to forge a unified national response to what Dominican authorities describe as a “multidimensional crisis” affecting security, the economy, and regional stability.
Four Key Measures Announced
Following two hours of discussions, the Dominican government outlined four key actions:
- The creation of joint working groups to design a coherent national policy on Haitian affairs.
- The institutionalization of dialogue with former presidents through the Economic and Social Council (CES).
- Regular national security briefings to be shared with former heads of state.
- A more unified foreign policy approach, with scheduled bilateral meetings between President Abinader and his predecessors.
President Abinader was joined by senior officials, including the ministers of foreign affairs and defense, as well as the heads of intelligence, immigration, and the armed forces.
Concerns Over Haiti’s Collapse
Participants expressed deep concern over the situation in Haiti, citing the collapse of public institutions, the growing influence of armed groups, and the absence of effective governance. They warned that the crisis poses a threat not only to Haiti but also to Dominican stability.
President Abinader reiterated his administration’s diplomatic efforts to rally international support, including engagement with the United Nations, the Organization of American States (OAS), CARICOM, the United States, Canada, and the European Union.
Focus on Security, Migration, and Border Development
On the security front, Dominican authorities detailed ongoing measures such as the construction of a border wall, deployment of specialized troops, and the use of advanced surveillance technologies to combat trafficking and protect national sovereignty.
Leaders also stressed the need for long-term investment in border provinces to address migration and security challenges more sustainably.
Regarding migration, the government reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing immigration laws while upholding human rights. Officials defended the repatriation of undocumented migrants, emphasizing that operations must comply with national and international legal standards.
Concluding the meeting, President Abinader declared: “There is no—and there will be no—Dominican solution to the crisis in Haiti.”
According to official figures released on May 15, a total of 226,117 undocumented Haitians were repatriated between September 2024 and May 2025.
