The Haitian government, through a statement, has "acknowledged" President Luis Abinader's announcement of unilaterally closing the border while members of the Haitian delegation were in discussions with their Dominican counterparts. The Haitian government emphasizes its preference for dialogue and states that it will take all necessary measures to protect the interests of the Haitian people, who have the right to make withdrawals from the Massacre River.

The government of the Republic of Haiti "acknowledges the decision of the Dominican Republic to close its borders with the Republic of Haiti starting from Friday, September 15, 2023, at 6:00 AM," as stated in a release from the Ministry of Culture and Communication on Thursday, September 14, 2023.