The Dominican Republic has contributed US$20 million to the international force against gangs in Haiti

The Dominican Republic has made a direct financial contribution of approximately 20 million dollars to the Gang Suppression Force (GSF), in addition to providing logistical, medical, and transportation support to facilitate the deployment of international contingents operating in Haiti, Minister of Foreign Affairs Víctor “Ito” Bisonó reported this Monday.

During his speech at La Semanal con la Prensa, led by President Luis Abinader, Bisonó explained that the Dominican collaboration includes coordinating the transit of personnel entering Haiti through national territory, due to the difficulties that exist in accessing the neighboring country directly through its ports and airports.

The official detailed that the Dominican Government has also allocated resources for medical evacuation operations for members of the international mission who are affected during their duties. Regarding this, he indicated that the accumulated investment since the start of operations amounts to approximately US$1,061,000.

Likewise, he pointed out that the country has facilitated the transit of blood shipments, the issuance of safe-conducts, border crossings, humanitarian air operations, and the transport of military cargo destined for the international force.

Bisonó also mentioned the coordination with the Government of Germany to facilitate the transit through the Dominican Republic of a contingent from Bangladesh, which at the time of his statement was still in that process.

An international mission to combat gangs

The minister explained that the Gang Suppression Force is a multinational mission with police, military, and civilian components, authorized by the United Nations Security Council, whose objective is to support Haitian security agencies in the fight against gangs and contribute to regaining control of the territory.

He indicated that their operations include actions against smuggling and other illicit activities, the protection of critical infrastructure, and support for the access and distribution of humanitarian aid, in coordination with the authorities of Haiti and within the legal framework of the United Nations.

According to the data provided by Bisonó, the mission currently has about 2,181 personnel deployed in Haiti, coming from countries such as Bangladesh, Chad, Jamaica, Guatemala, Mongolia, Sri Lanka, and El Salvador.

The official added that the goal is to complete a contingent of approximately 5,500 members and that this figure is expected to be reached within the next three months.

The minister’s presentation took place amidst the concern of Dominican authorities regarding the security crisis that Haiti is going through and the international efforts to contain the violence of the criminal organizations operating in that territory.