Friday December 22, 2023, thousands of Haitians entered Dominican territory to participate in the binational border markets of the Provinces of Dajabón and Pedernales.

In Dajabón, from the beginning, Haitians in large numbers waited stationed at the border bridge at Ouanaminthe to be among the first to do business. At 8:00 a.m., the Dominican gate was opened and soldiers from the Specialized Land Border Security Corps (CESFRONT) allowed the Haitians to enter while others waited for their opportunities.

The CESFRONT military maintained greater control on the Dominican side, due to the very large number of Haitians entering the country to buy and sell goods on the market. Commercial activities between Haitians and Dominicans took place without incident.

At the Pedernales market, hundreds of Haitians and Dominican sellers quickly occupied the stalls and sidewalks that had remained empty for several months, due to the closure of the border... Commercial activities were very dynamic and we observed on both sides from the border of visitors who came to buy goods, sell and acquire Dominican agricultural products.

The road in and out of Anse-à-pitres was full of Haitians on foot and in vehicles, crossing the river loaded with goods and also carrying compatriots returning from Dominican communities with children to spend the Christmas holidays with family in Haiti.

Added to these movements was the incessant flux of three-wheeled motorcycles, trucks and vans, which left the territory, transporting wheat flour, construction materials and other food or manufactured products. An influx which also benefited motorbike taxis on both sides of the border, which transported passengers and parcels…

S/ iciHaiti