Dominican Republic
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Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 DOMINICAN REPUBLIC Overall risk level Medium Exercise caution Not completely safe, but typically presents predictable security risks Travel is possible, but there is a potential for disruptions Overview Emergency Numbers Medical 911 Emergency 911 Upcoming Events There are no upcoming events scheduled Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / Dominican Republic 2 Travel Advisories High risk: Western border with Haiti Reconsider travel within 10km (6.21 miles) of the border with Haiti until further notice because of unrest and high risk of crime. The Dominican Republic's border region with Haiti highlights the stark socioeconomic differences between the two countries. When the United Nations Stabilisation Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) pulled out after 13 years of presence in the neighbouring country in October 2017, the Defence Ministry deployed nearly 2,000 troops to the border as part of Operation Shield – a joint operation with the Border Security Corps to heighten security and surveillance. The deployment also resulted in immigration inspectors and Border Security (Cesfront) guards deporting hundreds of illegal Haitian migrants through the country’s southernmost border crossing of Jimaní – where security was also increased. Frequent unrest in Haiti has also prompted Dominican authorities to reinforce security and increase military personnel along the border region, as seen in February, June, September and November 2019 as well as in May and October 2020, with nearly 9,750 troops deployed in the area. Along with Jimaní, the only other official border crossing is located in the town of Dajabón in the north. These border posts are closed from time to time by the Dominican army to prevent or control the influx of Haitian refugees and economic migrants seeking work in Dominican sugarcane fields; some 11,200 undocumented Haitians were deported in January, only. Border closures with Haiti, triggered by the COVID-19 outbreak, remained in place for most of 2020. Arms and drug smuggling takes place in these border towns, and armed robberies targeting motorists on roads close to the border have been reported. On 10 Febraury 2021, additonal security personnel were deployed to the border area amid rising tensions between Haitian President Jovenel Moïse and local opposition over the end of Moïse's mandate whose end date the opposition claims has already past. By 11 May, security forces had erected 23km (14.3 mile) of razor wire fencing along the border near the Jimani and Elías Piña crossings to once again reinforce security in the area with plans to extend the fence along the entire shared border. On 7 July, following the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moïse, border crossings with Haiti were closed indefinitely before Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / Dominican Republic 3 reopening for humanitarian reasons on 13 July. Reconsider travel within 10km (6.21 miles) of the border with Haiti until further notice because of unrest and high risk of crime. While foreign nationals are unlikely to be the direct target of any criminal activity or violence associated with it, the risk of incidental or by-stander injury cannot be ruled out. Follow all directives issued by border and security personnel; keep official identification on-hand and stop at all road checkpoint. Maintain a low profile, vary routines regularly and ensure privacy of travel itineraries. Register travel details with local embassies or consulates and consider utilising local reputable guides for travel outside of urban centres. Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / Dominican Republic 4 Summary The Dominican Republic is a Medium Risk destination: exercise caution. Medium Risk locations are not completely safe, but typically present predictable security risks. Travel is possible, but there is a potential for disruptions. Covid-19 Medium Risk Despite restrictions on the movement of people and business operations, the incident rate has grown to be considerably higher than that reported by neighbouring Haiti and Puerto Rico, particularly in the worst-affected National District, Santo Domingo and Santiago provinces. Last spike in infections was reported in June, while in August authorities relaxed curfew measures in areas with high vaccination rates. International travel has resumed. Political Instability Moderate Risk Since the death of military dictator Rafael Leonidas Trujillo in 1961, the Dominican Republic (DR) has endeavored to consolidate a liberal democracy. However, socio- economic and racial tensions, problems of Haitian immigration, high levels of crime and impunity, insecurity and corruption continue to threaten political stability. Conflict Moderate Risk Illegal immigration has been a perennial problem affecting relations between the DR and neighbouring Haiti. It also has the potential to trigger demonstrations including in the capital, Santo Domingo. In response, DR troops have been permanently deployed along the porous border to confront trafficking of persons, drugs and arms. Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / Dominican Republic 5 Terrorism Low Risk Transnational terrorism is a possibility due to porous borders, corruption, weak anti- money laundering legislation and oversight, and minimal police resources. However, the country does not have a history of attacks or other terrorist-related incidents, and no known international or domestic terrorist groups are active in the country. The United States (US) has provided training and assistance to intercept vessels carrying arms, narcotics and undocumented individuals. Unrest Medium Risk Protests, demonstrations and strikes occur periodically and have the potential to turn violent. Civil unrest is common ahead of presidential elections; rioters have been known to erect roadblocks and restrict travel, while police may resort to excessive force. Mass migration of Haitians to the DR and related increases in racism and communal tensions are growing concerns. Crime High Risk Crime is a serious problem and is more frequent during Christmas, Carnival and power outages, with drive-by robberies, pickpocketing including in public buses and taxis, burglaries and theft from vehicles being the most commonly reported crimes. Foreign nationals are often considered attractive targets. Rates of violent crime are on the rise, particularly in Santo Domingo, Santiago, San Cristobal, National District and La Altagracia, with armed assaults more frequent during nighttime and when victims travel alone. Natural and Environmental Moderate Risk Located in the Caribbean hurricane belt, the Dominican Republic may experience hurricanes and tropical storm systems between June and November. Flooding is a concern in the island's coastal and low-lying regions. Although infrequent, the country may also experience tornadoes as well as earthquakes, being located in an active seismic zone. Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / Dominican Republic 6 Health and Medical Medium Risk Medical care is adequate in Santo Domingo, but limited outside of major urban centres, where the quality of care varies widely among facilities. Medical complications in rural areas may require medical evacuation to the capital and life-threatening conditions abroad. There are periodic outbreaks of mosquito-borne viruses including dengue fever, and ciguatera poisoning is prevalent. Local Travel Medium Risk Road travel is dangerous due to poorly lit and poorly maintained roads, cars and buses in various states of disrepair, and drivers operating vehicles under the influence of alcohol or other substances. Bus travel carries risks of accident and petty theft. Taxis are the preferred mode of transport around the country and are considered safe, reliable and inexpensive. Taking internal flights is not recommended, since there is not sufficient infrastructure or oversight to guarantee safety. Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / Dominican Republic 7 Political Overview : Moderate Risk The Dominican Republic is governed as a representative democratic republic wherein the president functions as both head of state and head of government. The death of military dictator Rafael Leonidas Trujillo in 1961 heralded a new era for democracy in the Dominican Republic, but democratic transition has not been without difficulty or interference. Trujillo was assassinated in 1961 and was succeeded by his Vice- President Joaquín Balaguer. A year and a half later, democratic elections returned another president, Juan Bosch, of the socialist Dominican Revolutionary Party (PRD), who was removed by a coup within nine months. The ensuing chaos led to a popular uprising in 1965, but a United States intervention returned Balaguer to power for another 12 years. He was defeated in the 1978 elections by the head of the socialist PRD, Antonio Guzmán Fernández, while the first term of Leonel Fernández of the Dominican Liberation Party (PLD) in 1996 marked a transition from autocratic strongmen to full-fledged democratic rule. Despite democratic elections and the slow consolidation of democratic practices ever since, the political system is characterised by clientelism and corruption within the main parties: the PRD, the conservative Social Christian Reformist Party (PRSC), and the increasingly conservative PLD as well as the social-democratic Modern Revolutionary Party (PRM) which emerged from a PRD division in 2014. The 16-year rule of PLD and two-term rule of Daniel Medina came to an end on 5 July 2020, when opposition