Dominican Republic crime poses challenges for Abinader

Significance

High-profile incidents of apparent police brutality have caused public indignation, and concerns abound over disorder in neighbouring Haiti. President Luis Abinader, eying a possible 2024 re-election bid, has acknowledged problems, launching police reform and increased law-enforcement efforts. He has nevertheless attempted to manage expectations, warning citizens last year that he had no “magic wand” to resolve weaknesses in policing.

Impacts

• Mistrust of the police could foster a reluctance to report criminal activity.
• Perceived institutional racism towards (predominantly Black) Haitians could threaten the Dominican Republic’s international image.
• If concerns over criminal violence continue to rise, they could eventually pose a threat to the country’s lucrative tourism sector.