Dominican Republic: Dajabón fire, political criticism and football developments

Fire at the Dajabón binational market

A fire broke out on April 15, 2026, at the Dajabón binational market, affecting several commercial stalls. According to available information, the blaze started in one unit before spreading rapidly to adjacent structures. Three units from the local fire department responded to the incident and managed to contain the flames, preventing further escalation. No casualties were reported. However, multiple vendors sustained significant material losses. The market serves as a key hub for trade between the Dominican Republic and Haiti, regularly hosting merchants and buyers from both sides of the border.

Opción Democrática criticizes government dialogues

On the same day, the political party Opción Democrática publicly criticized the dialogues convened by President Luis Abinader as part of national consultation processes. The party referred to initiatives such as the “Diálogo por las Reformas” launched in 2021 and the “Plan Meta 2036” presented in 2024. According to the organization, these processes have not produced concrete outcomes nor effectively incorporated proposals from participating sectors. Its president, José Horacio Rodríguez, stated that the absence of a defined agenda and follow-up mechanisms limits the impact of these consultations. The party also referenced the regional context, noting that the situation in Haiti requires structured responses.

Junior Scheldeur’s record with Cibao FC In sports

National media highlighted the trajectory of Junior Scheldeur, who has led Cibao FC since June 2024. Under his leadership, the team won the national league title in September 2024. The club also returned to the Concacaf Champions Cup, a competition it had not reached since 2018. Additionally, Cibao FC reached the final of the Caribbean Club Championship and recorded a draw against Mexican side Chivas de Guadalajara in international competition.

Soraya Ades.