Bisonó explains why Dominican Republic is not taking part in military operations in Haiti

Santo Domingo.- Foreign Minister Víctor “Ito” Bisonó said the Dominican Republic is not participating directly in military operations against Haitian gangs because of the principles governing United Nations peacekeeping missions, including the consent of the parties, impartiality, and restrictions on the use of force.

Bisonó said direct Dominican military involvement in Haiti could raise concerns over impartiality because of the two countries’ historical relationship, while increasing the risk of direct involvement in the conflict, questions over legitimacy and credibility, and potential regional escalation.

Instead, the Dominican government has focused on supporting international efforts through diplomatic, humanitarian, and logistical assistance. This includes facilitating the transit and deployment of international personnel through Dominican territory due to limited access to Haitian ports and airports, as well as supporting medical evacuations, humanitarian flights, blood shipments, other essential supplies, and the transfer of military equipment and cargo for the mission.

Regarding the Gang Suppression Group (GSF), Bisonó described it as a multinational mission with police, military, and civilian components, authorized by the Haitian government and supported by the United Nations. The mission aims to help restore security in Haiti by confronting criminal groups, combating illicit activities and smuggling, protecting critical infrastructure, and facilitating humanitarian access to communities affected by violence.

The GSF includes personnel from Bangladesh, Chad, Jamaica, Guatemala, Mongolia, Sri Lanka, and El Salvador. Bisonó said about 2,181 international personnel are currently deployed in Haiti, with the force expected to reach 5,500 members within the next three months.