Abinader Speaks for Haiti: But Who Gave Him This Mandate?

On February 6, 2025, a note published on the U.S. Department of State website reported the conclusions of a visit by Secretary of State Marco Rubio to Latin America. To begin his mandate, he traveled to Panama, Guatemala, El Salvador, Costa Rica, and the Dominican Republic, where a joint press conference was organized between the Dominican and American governments. The meeting took place on Ambassador's Alley, the seat of the Dominican government.

Abinader Focuses on Regional Cooperation

President Luis Abinader outlined the main points of discussions with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, emphasizing three major areas, while also highlighting the Dominican Republic's strategic role as a key security ally in the region: security cooperation; migration issues; and free zones and bilateral trade.

Abinader and the Haitian Crisis: A Self-Proclaimed Spokesperson?

Unsurprisingly, Luis Abinader, who appears to have self-proclaimed himself as Haiti's spokesperson without a mandate from Haitians, used his meeting with Marco Rubio to discuss the Haitian crisis. Exploiting the institutional vacuum paralyzing Haiti, he advocated for a robust and coordinated response from the international community.

While he asserts that «there is no Dominican solution to the Haitian crisis», a question arises: Who requested a Dominican solution?

Is the Dominican Republic's active involvement in the Haitian crisis motivated by a genuine desire to help, or by strategic interests related to migration and the economy? No clear answer is in sight.

President Abinader insisted on the urgency of increased financial support for the mission led by Kenya, intended to bring some stability to Haiti. In the same vein, he described the Haitian situation in alarming terms, calling it a «day of fire and blood». He even went so far as to state that Haiti is drowning and represents a security threat to the region, including the United States.

These remarks echo those of Marco Rubio during his hearing in the U.S. Senate. Abinader reiterated that neither the Dominican Republic nor the United States can shirk their responsibilities in this crisis. He also insisted on the need for firm determination, stating that «American leadership is indispensable and irreplaceable».

But then, Mr. «Spokesperson for Haiti», does this statement reflect the position of the Dominican Republic or that of the country of Jean Jacques Dessalines?

Increased Surveillance of Haitian Territory is Necessary

These statements should prompt Haiti to strengthen vigilance over its territory and natural resources, particularly in border areas. Recent developments in the Pedernales area underscore the urgency of increased surveillance, especially in the Anse-à-Pitres region.