Canada finally took the lead in an international aid coordination operation in Haiti, without setting foot there. And Ottawa was planning to open an office in the Dominican Republic this summer to meet the needs of the Haitian National Police (PNH).

Reacting to this announcement Roberto Alvarez, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Dominican Republic, declared Friday, June 16, 2023 on his twitter account "[...] The Dominican Government confirms that it has neither discussed, nor agreed, nor granted authorization for the installation on our territory of an office aimed at coordinating support for the National Police of Haiti, as mentioned by the Canadian media."

The day before Alvarez had already written "The international community must understand, once and for all, that the solutions to the crisis in Haiti must be implemented on its own territory and within its borders. We reject Canada's claims to establish offices in the Dominican Republic to supposedly coordinate aid to the neighboring country. Let them settle them in Haiti !"

Following the firm refusal of the Dominican Republic, Canada is looking for a place to set up its office to coordinate international aid to the PNH. According to Minister Mélanie Joly, Canada is working with 20 countries and international organizations to set up this office in a nearby geographical area.

The Canadian Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed to the Reuters news agency that it was maintaining talks "to finalize a location that supports the work of the group in the geographical proximity of Haiti". Reuters indicates that the Canadian Ministry does not say where in the Caribbean this office will be located.

SL/ HaitiLibre