Border tensions: Dominican and Haitian mototaxi drivers clash in Pedernales
Tensions broke out on Friday in Pedernales between Dominican mototaxi drivers—locally known as motoconchistas—and their Haitian counterparts operating around the border market.
Dominican drivers accused Haitian riders of illegally transporting passengers within the city. During the confrontation, they reportedly seized and destroyed vests, T-shirts, and other identifying items used by Haitian drivers.
Authorities convened an emergency meeting to calm tensions and initiate dialogue between mototaxi associations on both sides of the border.
Dominican drivers claim they are being displaced from what they consider their exclusive activity, noting that they are not permitted to operate the same service in Haiti.
Dangerous migration: five Haitians arrested in San Juan
In a separate incident on March 13, 2026, soldiers from the Dominican Army Pedro Florentino Battalion intercepted a Freightliner truck in the province of San Juan Province.
Inside the vehicle, authorities discovered five Haitian nationals in irregular migration status attempting to cross the border.
According to military reports, four men were lying on the roof of the cargo compartment, while a woman was hidden inside the driver’s cabin.
The truck driver, identified as William Ney Matos Novas, was arrested and transported along with the migrants to the military fortress in Las Matas de Farfán for legal processing.
Data from the Dirección General de Migración (DGM) indicates that the Dominican Republic deported 67,940 Haitian nationals between January and February 2026.
Authorities say migration controls are being strengthened while maintaining respect for human rights. The government also continues construction of a border wall aimed at reducing irregular migration and trafficking of weapons and drugs.
Diplomacy and economy: Dominican Republic to host 41st ECLAC session
Meanwhile, the Dominican Republic will host the 41st session of theEconomic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), the most important biennial meeting of the United Nations regional body.
The event is scheduled to take place from October 7 to 9, 2026, in Santiago de los Caballeros.
An agreement was signed between Dominican Foreign Minister Roberto Álvarez and Luis Fidel Yáñez, secretary of the commission, representing ECLAC Executive Secretary José Manuel Salazar-Xirinachs.
The session will bring together government officials, economists, and regional policymakers to discuss development strategies, economic cooperation, and public policy challenges in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Hosting the summit highlights the Dominican Republic’s growing role in regional diplomacy and economic dialogue.
Soraya Ades.
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