Dominican diplomatic sources claim that suspected intelligence activities by Cuban officials prompted President Luis Abinader's administration to request the departure of nine members of the Cuban mission in Santo Domingo.
For the first time, the Dominican newspaper El Día unveiled this information on Friday, offering a possible explanation for a measure whose reasons had not been publicly elaborated by the Dominican Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
High-level sources with direct knowledge of the situation indicated that Dominican authorities detected some Cuban officials engaging in activities associated with the intelligence and security services of Havana's regime, exploiting their diplomatic credentials.
These activities are deemed incompatible with the official duties of a diplomatic mission and are believed to be the reason behind the Dominican government's formal request for the implicated individuals' departure.
The sources also clarified the procedure used, asserting that the officials were not declared persona non grata, but rather their removal was requested through diplomatic channels by Santo Domingo.
This information introduces a new perspective on the initial accounts of the incident and the interpretation of the measure under Article 9 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.
Additionally, the sources dismissed any link between the diplomats' departure and the four Cuban athletes who remained in the Dominican Republic following the XXV Central American and Caribbean Games Santo Domingo 2026.
"It is merely a chronological coincidence. The decision regarding the diplomats stems from a separate process unrelated to the athletes who stayed in the country post-Games," one of the sources cited by the outlet stated.
The Dominican Ministry of Foreign Affairs, meanwhile, maintains discretion. It has not publicly confirmed that the alleged intelligence activities are the reason for the measure.
Despite the officials' exit, Dominican sources emphasized that the measure does not constitute a break in diplomatic relations. The Cuban Embassy will continue its operations in Santo Domingo with the rest of its accredited staff.
Escalating Diplomatic Tensions Between Cuba and Dominican Republic
This week, the Dominican government requested the withdrawal of nine members of the Cuban diplomatic mission and their families, granting them seven days to leave the country.
The decision immediately sparked a crisis with Havana. The Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MINREX) denounced the measure, accusing President Luis Abinader's government of succumbing to U.S. pressure.
The Cuban Foreign Ministry asserted that their representatives had adhered "strictly to their functions" and argued there was no justification for their expulsion.
However, the newly published information by El Día presents a contrasting narrative, highlighting alleged activities linked to Cuban intelligence services.
There is also a discrepancy concerning the number of affected officials: Santo Domingo reports nine, while MINREX claimed ten. The decision involves approximately 21 people in total, including the diplomats' families. They are expected to leave Dominican soil by Sunday, August 16.
This incident arises amidst growing tensions between the two governments. In May, Abinader declared that Cuba "is not a democratic state" and suggested that Havana's regime needs to "embrace change."
Understanding the Diplomatic Dispute Between Cuba and the Dominican Republic
What prompted the Dominican Republic to ask Cuban diplomats to leave?
The request for Cuban diplomats to leave was allegedly due to their involvement in intelligence activities incompatible with diplomatic functions.
How has the Cuban government responded to the expulsion of its diplomats?
The Cuban government has condemned the expulsion, attributing it to U.S. pressure, and insists their diplomats adhered to their roles.
Will this incident affect the diplomatic relations between Cuba and the Dominican Republic?
Though the incident has created tensions, Dominican sources confirm it does not signify a breakdown of diplomatic relations between the two countries.