Tragedies, transitions, and tensions: half a year of news that shook the world

Santo Domingo.- The first half of the year 2025 has been marked by a series of events that have shaken Dominican society and the rest of the world. From mass tragedies to disappearances, passing through controversial political decisions and high-profile judicial cases, the country has lived months of uncertainty, pain and public debate.

Tragedy in Jet Set: the crash that mourned the nation

The most recent event that shook the Dominican Republic occurred on the morning of April 8, 2025, when the renowned nightclub Jet Set collapsed during an event, causing the death of 236 people and leaving around 189 injured. This tragic event became one of the biggest civil catastrophes in the country's history, generating shock throughout society. Among the victims were prominent figures from art, politics, and sports, such as merengue singer Rubby Pérez, the governor of Monte Cristi, Nelsy Milagros Cruz Martínez, and former baseball players Octavio Dotel and Tony Blanco. The son of the Minister of Public Works, Eduardo Estrella, also lost his life. In response to the tragedy, President Luis Abinader declared six days of national mourning, initially from April 8 to 10 through Decree 194-25, and later extended to April 13 with Decree 195-25. Rescue efforts, supported by international teams, lasted for more than 48 hours, reflecting the magnitude of the disaster.

Two disappearances, the same uncertainty

The disappearance of Sudiksha Konanki, a 20-year-old American tourist last seen on a beach in Punta Cana, caused shock. Despite search efforts by local authorities, the FBI, and Interpol, her whereabouts remain unknown. On March 18, her parents requested that she be declared legally dead, presuming an accidental drowning. Also attracting attention was the case of the three-year-old boy Roldanis Calderón, last seen on Sunday, March 30, while playing in a house located in Los Tablones, Jarabacoa. Since then, the authorities have deployed a search operation with drones, canine units, thermal cameras, and specialized personnel from various institutions. However, more than two months after the event, no clue has been found indicating the whereabouts of the minor.

Citizen march in Friusa

As a reaction to the increasing irregular immigration of Haitian citizens in the Dominican Republic, in the province of La Altagracia —specifically in Bávaro, Punta Cana—, the Antigua Orden Dominicana movement led a massive march in the Hoyo de Friusa sector last April. The protesters demanded stricter control over migration and policies that reinforce "Dominicanness" in tourist areas with a high foreign presence. The event opened a deep debate on multiculturalism, border control, and the state's response to demographic changes in the East of the country. Following this event, President Luis Abinader announced a package of 15 measures aimed at curbing the illegal entry and stay of foreigners, with a special focus on the Haitian population.

Among the most controversial provisions, it is established that public hospitals of the National Health Service (SNS) must require foreign patients a valid identification, proof of residence in the country, and a work letter to receive medical attention, excluding emergency cases. Once stabilized, those who do not meet these requirements will be repatriated immediately.

Additionally, he announced the incorporation of 750 new immigration agents to reinforce border control and operations throughout the national territory.

The Wander Franco Case

Dominican baseball player Wander Franco was formally accused of sexual abuse against a 14-year-old minor, as well as human trafficking and money laundering. The Public Prosecutor's Office presented digital evidence, including videos, messages, and transfers exceeding 17 thousand dollars. Their defense alleges media manipulation and lack of due process, while the Attorney General's Office claims that there is a systematic pattern of abuse. The case continues its judicial course and has generated divisions in public opinion.

Global Overview

The international scenario was marked by political tensions, prolonged conflicts, and significant transitions in world leadership. From government changes to humanitarian crises and the deaths of emblematic figures, the first half of 2025 reflected strong global instability.

Maduro and Trump: mandates under international scrutiny

On January 10, 2025, Nicolás Maduro assumed his third term as president of Venezuela, following elections held in July 2024. However, the elections were questioned by a large part of the international community, which considered them "neither free nor fair." Despite the accusations of fraud and repression of the opposition, Maduro was declared the winner by the National Electoral Council (CNE). In response, the United States, the European Union, and Canada imposed new sanctions on the Venezuelan regime. For his part, the main opponent, Edmundo González, fled to Spain after being excluded from the electoral contest. On January 20, 2025, Donald Trump began his second term as President of the United States. Since his arrival, he implemented aggressive immigration measures, with mass raids and deportations of undocumented immigrants, even against those with years of residency and no criminal record. These actions generated protests in cities like Los Angeles, where federal forces were deployed, including the National Guard and marines. Trump also imposed 25% tariffs on imports from Canada, 10% on those from Mexico, and 55% on those from China, arguing a trade imbalance. The measures provoked retaliation from the affected countries and increased uncertainty in global markets.

Wars and crises that persist

The conflict between Israel and Palestine in Gaza continued during the first months of 2025. Despite multiple diplomatic attempts, no progress towards peace was achieved. The number of victims continues to increase, keeping the region under constant tension and generating international concern. The war in Ukraine, which began in February 2022 with the Russian invasion, continues to take a high human toll. In the first half of 2025, the number of deaths on the Ukrainian side exceeds 80,000, with more than 400,000 injured. Russia has also suffered thousands of casualties. Peace negotiations remain stalled, while the conflict turns into a war of attrition with prolonged geopolitical implications. On the other hand, Haiti is going through a security crisis, with armed gangs controlling approximately 85% of the capital, Port-au-Prince. The violence has caused the displacement of more than 1.3 million people, a 24% increase since December 2024, according to IOM. An international mission led by Kenya, with UN support, is trying to restore order, although it faces logistical and operational challenges.

Transition in the Vatican: Pope Francis passes away

On April 21, 2025, Easter Monday, at 07:35 CEST, Pope Francis died at the age of 88 in his Vatican residence from a stroke followed by cardiac arrest, after bilateral pneumonia and previous complications. His burial was celebrated on April 26 in St. Peter's Square and he was buried in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, marking the end of his pontificate of almost 12 years. On May 7, the conclave began in the Sistine Chapel, with 133 cardinal electors (out of 135 eligible, two absent due to health). After three black smoke signals, the fourth vote on May 8 produced white smoke at 6:07 PM and was announced as the new pope Robert Francis Prevost, today Leo XIV, the first American and English-speaking pontiff since the 12th century.

Death of José "Pepe" Mujica

On May 13, 2025, José "Pepe" Mujica, former president of Uruguay and ex-Tupamaro guerrilla, passed away at the age of 89 at his residence in Montevideo after a prolonged battle with esophageal cancer. Recognized for his austere lifestyle and his commitment to left-wing values, Mujica governed Uruguay between 2010 and 2015, promoting reforms such as the decriminalization of abortion, the legalization of same-sex marriage, and the regulation of marijuana. The Uruguayan government decreed three days of official mourning and organized a state funeral at the Legislative Palace, where thousands of people paid tribute. These six months, both nationally and internationally, have been marked by the return of polarizing leaders, unresolved conflicts, humanitarian crises, and challenges that will require supportive and sustained responses over time.