Mexico: Demonstrations planned in Mexico City Feb. 18 and Oaxaca Feb. 20

Event

The National Torch Movement (Antorcha Campesina; AC), a left-wing political organization focused on poverty reduction, is planning to stage large demonstrations in Mexico City on Sunday, February 18, and in the city of Oaxaca (Oaxaca state) on Tuesday, February 20. The planned demonstration in Mexico City is reportedly being organized to commemorate the 28th anniversary of the establishment of AC's presence in Mexico City and to celebrate its achievements; roughly 7000 demonstrators are expected to participate in the event, which will begin at Cuitláhuac Park at 10:00 (local time).

AC activists are also planning on staging a protest in the city of Oaxaca on Tuesday, February 20. Some 10,000 people are expected to participate in a march to the Zócalo (main square), where an associated rally will be held; protesters demand that the state government satisfy their demands for improving the provision of state services (e.g. health services, food aid, electricity, etc.) to the poor and pay for public works already planned and begun.

Additional large related marches have been tentatively planned on highways in the Toluca Valley on Thursday, February 22, and in Oaxaca to the Zócalo on Tuesday, March 20, which is expected to culminate in a sit-in protest. Heightened security measures and transportation disruptions are expected in areas affected by the protests.

Context

Thousands of AC activists previously held related protests in Toluca (Mexico state) on February 13 and in the city of Oaxaca on February 15, resulting in road closures.

Advice

Individuals present in Mexico City, Oaxaca, and in the Toluca Valley area are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all protests and demonstrations due to potential violence, allow for additional time to travel in affected areas while protests are ongoing, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.