Dominican Republic: U.S. Coordination on Haiti and Rising Drug Trafficking Threat in Ports

Haiti: Dominican Republic and U.S. coordinate international force deployment

Dominican Foreign Minister Roberto Álvarez held a meeting in Dajabón with the U.S. ambassador to Haiti and the Dominican Republic to discuss the deployment of an international security mission aimed at stabilizing Haiti.

The force, designed to counter escalating gang violence, is expected to begin deployment on April 1, 2026, with an initial battalion from Chad currently undergoing training in the United States.

Under UN Security Council Resolution 2793, the mission is set to gradually expand to 5,500 personnel by October 2026.

As part of this transition, troops from Kenya already deployed in Haiti are expected to progressively withdraw, making way for the new force structure.

The Dominican Republic has requested further clarification from U.S. authorities regarding the timeline and operational details of the transition.

This coordination reflects broader efforts to strengthen regional security and support international initiatives aimed at containing Haiti’s ongoing security crisis.

Maritime security: progress and growing narcotrafficking risks

At the same time, experts and officials raised concerns about emerging threats linked to narcotrafficking in Dominican ports during a forum organized by Listín Diario.

According to maritime security expert Luis Musolino, the Dominican Republic has made significant progress in strengthening port security, supported by institutions such as Autoridad Portuaria Dominicana (Apordom) and the Cuerpo Especializado de Seguridad Portuaria (CESEP).

However, he warned that drug trafficking networks are becoming increasingly sophisticated, using advanced technologies—including artificial intelligence—and recruiting specialized personnel to expand their operations.

Musolino also highlighted the indirect impact of the crisis in Haiti, noting that instability along the land border could increase vulnerabilities affecting maritime security.

Enhanced surveillance and prevention measures

To counter these threats, the CESEP has strengthened its capabilities with:

• Aquatic drones for maritime surveillance

• Rapid response units

• Coordination with national and international intelligence services

Authorities also presented a technical manual on hazardous materials, aimed at improving port personnel training and preventing major incidents.

This initiative was introduced in reference to global disasters such as the 2020 Beirut port explosion, highlighting the importance of preparedness and risk management in port operations.

Regional security challenges remain interconnected

The discussions underscore the interconnected nature of security challenges in the Caribbean, where instability in Haiti, international criminal networks, and evolving technologies are reshaping risk landscapes.

As the Dominican Republic deepens cooperation with the United States and strengthens its port defenses, authorities face the dual challenge of supporting regional stability while safeguarding national infrastructure.

Soraya Ades.