Guatemala: Campesino demonstrations nationwide May 23

Event

Unions representing rural inhabitants (campesinos) have called for protests to take place across the country on Tuesday, May 23, to demand the resignation of President Jimmy Morales. Marches are anticipated in all 22 of the country’s departments, including in the capital Guatemala City. Roadblocks erected by demonstrators are likely in cities and on highways and could result in major traffic disruptions as well as clashes between demonstrators and police; the government has announced that no roadblocks would be tolerated.

A related demonstration held in the capital on March 7 was attended by an estimated 30,000-40,000 people.

Context

Campesino organizations are demanding the resignation of President Morales and investigations into other “corrupt” politicians implicated in the massive regional Odebrecht corruption scandal. Recent investigations into Odebrecht, a Brazilian construction company, have uncovered a widespread network of corruption scandals with implications for countries across Latin America.

Advice

Individuals in Guatemala are advised to avoid all protests, to allow for extra time to reach their destinations, and to never attempt to cross a roadblock without authorization.