Dominican Republic denies Canada consulted on Haitian aid office

Haiti has been contending with a series of setbacks in recent years, from natural disasters to political disarray and gang violence.

The country currently has no democratically elected federal leaders after the country’s last senators saw their terms expire in January. Acting President Ariel Henry was selected to serve as prime minister by former President Jovenel Moise, shortly before his assassination in 2021.

Haiti's Prime Minister Ariel Henry addresses the audience, during an event in commemoration of the 220th death anniversary of revolutionary leader Toussaint Louverture, in Port-au-Prince

Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry was appointed shortly before former President Jovenel Moise’s death

As Haitian democracy faltered with no firmly scheduled elections in sight, gangs seized power in some areas. In December, the United Nations reported that 60 percent of the capital city Port-au-Prince had fallen under gang control.

The Dominican Republic has pushed back on a proposal for a Canadian-led “joint security coordination cell” in its territory, as part of an effort to address the crises unfolding in its neighbor, Haiti.

Dominican Foreign Minister Roberto Alvarez denounced the prospect of hosting the Canadian bureau in the country, which was pitched as a site from which to coordinate international aid and offer support to Haiti’s police.

 “The Dominican Government confirms that it has not discussed, agreed or granted any authorization for the installation in our territory of an office to coordinate support for the Haitian National Police, as indicated by information from the Canadian media,” Alvarez said in a tweet that was re-posted by the country’s Ministry of External Relations.

His words come in response to an announcement from Canada’s Foreign Minister Melanie Joly, made during a Thursday ministerial meeting.

“This cell will enhance international efforts in security assistance, working closely with the Haitian National Police and the United Nations to foster a sustainable environment for long-term peace and security in Haiti,” Joly wrote afterwards on social media.

Canada’s Foreign Minister Melanie Joly announced $13m in additional aid to Haiti this week, as part of a support package [File: Hanna Johre/NTB via Reuters]

The “joint security coordination cell” was part of a package of support Canada revealed on Thursday, including $13m in aid for development and anti-crime efforts.

Joly also underscored her country’s commitment to a “Haitian-led solution to the crisis”, likely anticipating criticism of foreign intervention in the Caribbean nation..

Acting President Ariel Henry

Canada’s Foreign Minister Melanie Joly