Haitian self-defense groups block gangs near Dominican border

Haitian communities have formed self-defense groups to protect their towns from advancing gangs, and Dominican authorities say these groups are helping keep the criminal organizations away from the border. The nearest gang is at least 26 kilometers from Dominican territory, according to Dominican Defense Minister Carlos Fernández Onofre. Source: Infobae

Self-defense groups

Residents in Malpasse, Fonds-Parisien, Ganthier, and Mirebalais have organized to defend their communities. Fernández Onofre stated that at least two such groups operate between the closest gang positions and the Dominican frontier. Source: El Día These groups have reportedly repelled gang incursions in Mirebalais and La Caoba. Source: El Día

Gang control and extortion

Gangs control 80% to 90% of Port-au-Prince and all major roads leading to the capital. Source: Hoy They impose illegal tolls on cargo trucks: $1,150 for a 40-foot container and $576 for a 20-foot container. Source: Diario Libre There are approximately seven toll points between Jimaní and Port-au-Prince. Source: Diario Libre

Dominican business payments

Dominican business owners pay gangs up to $5,000 per week in tolls to allow goods to cross into Haiti, according to Iván García, president of the Dominican Federation of Merchants. Source: listindiario He said this practice has been common since the 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse. Source: listindiario

Border security

President Luis Abinader stated that Dominican security begins 20 kilometers inside Haiti and that no gangs have approached the border. Source: El Día The government maintains surveillance and has built a border wall since February 2022. Source: Infobae