05 Aug 2019 | 12:07 PM UTC
Guatemala: Nationwide anti-government protests scheduled August 6
CODECA calls for anti-government protests in 26 locations across the country on August 6; localized transportation disruptions expected
Event
The Peasant Development Committee (CODECA) has called for anti-government protests in 26 areas of the country on Tuesday, August 6. Participants seek to protest the signed immigration agreement between Guatemala and the United States and to denounce election fraud. The biggest protests are expected in Guatemala City. The other protests locations were not immediately available, but should be expected nationwide.
Protests are expected to continue over the coming weeks in the main urban centers, including the capital Guatemala City, and are scheduled with little notice, at times producing road blockades, transportation disruptions, and business closures.
Context
The agreement between the United States and Guatemala declares Guatemala as a safe third country, allowing asylum seekers to stay in Guatemala while their applications to the United States are being processed. Guatemalans believe the agreement violates the country's sovereignty.
Further, the first round of the country's presidential elections was held on Sunday, June 16, and the electorate is still waiting to hear on the conclusions before the second round of elections on Sunday, August 11. Protesters will therefore call for the election's annulment and the Supreme Election Tribunal (TSE) magistrates' resignations.
Advice
Individuals in Guatemala are advised to monitor the situation, avoid all protests as a precaution, and obey instructions issued by the local authorities.
