Honduras: President Hernández sworn in for second term Jan. 27 /update 31

Event

President Juan Orlando Hernández was sworn in for his second term on Saturday, January 27, during a ceremony in Tegucigalpa. Hundreds of people and soldiers attended the event, during which President Hernández promised to reunite the country. A heavy security presence was reported in the city during the ceremony. Thousands of demonstrators also clashed with police who gathered several miles from the event. Officers fired tear gas to disperse the protesters. Further demonstrations are possible in the coming days.

Context

The Alliance of Opposition Against the Dictatorship organized Saturday’s protest. Opposition supporters have been holding nationwide demonstrations to denounce the results of the November 26 presidential election in recent weeks. There have been numerous reports of deadly clashes, vandalism, looting, and roadblocks, particularly in urban areas. According to media reports, at least 30 people have been killed in the violence. Salvador Nasralla, the losing candidate, has warned that civil war is possible if new elections are not held.

Visitors to the country should note that political activism by foreign nationals is prohibited under Honduran law. Foreigners who take part in demonstrations or other political activities risk detention and or/deportation.

Advice

Individuals in Honduras are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all demonstrations due to the risk of violence, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.