Guatemala: Activists maintain some roadblocks and demonstrations nationwide as of Oct. 17 /update 3

Event

Activists affiliated with the 48 Cantons of Totonicapan (Los 48 Cantones de Totonicapan) and other indigenous and opposition groups are continuing their nationwide campaign of demonstrations and roadblocks as of Oct. 17. Protest activity has been decreasing over recent days, but activists are maintaining at least 19 roadblocks nationwide. In Guatemala City, protesters have been blocking Avenida Petapa and Anillo Periferico; further demonstrations along other thoroughfares and outside the Public Ministry's (Ministerio Publico, MP) main offices remain likely. Roadblocks are mostly affecting western parts of the country, with demonstrators blocking parts of the Pan American Highway (CA 1), and several inter-departmental highways, including RN-01, RN-12, and RN-15.

Demonstrators have been demanding the resignation of Attorney General Consuelo Porras and other officials since Oct. 2, after the MP seized general election vote tallies from the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (Tribunal Supremo Electoral, TSE) on Sept. 29.

The demonstrations and accompanying roadblocks will likely continue to cause significant nationwide disruptions to road transport over the coming days and may impact operations at border crossings and ports in the country. Authorities will almost certainly deploy security forces to the sites of any roadblocks set up by protesters. Clashes between activists and security forces are possible, especially as police start to dismantle the roadblocks and forcibly disperse protesters.

Context

The widespread roadblocks that started in early October are part of a series of demonstrations that have occurred in Guatemala following the 2023 presidential elections, which ended with the victory of opposition candidate Bernardo Arevalo. Leaders of the MP have launched several investigations against Arevalo and his Semilla Party during and after the electoral process, leading supporters to believe he could be blocked from taking office in early 2024.

The 2023 elections were marred by controversy, as three main presidential candidates were barred from running. Additionally, criticism against Consuelo Porras and other MP leaders has been growing for years, as protesters allege she and her allies dismantled an anti-corruption unit, forcing the resignation and exile of several of its attorneys.

Advice

Avoid all protests as a precaution. Leave the area at the first sign of confrontation between activists and security forces. Monitor local news outlets for road status information before starting journeys. Do not attempt to navigate around roadblocks set up by protesters; wait for security forces to dismantle them before proceeding or seek alternative routes. Adhere to all instructions issued by local officials.