Guatemala: Activists resume demonstrations and set up new roadblocks in parts of country as of Oct. 24 /update 4

Event

Activists affiliated with indigenous and opposition organizations, including the Indigenous Municipality of Solola, resumed their protest campaign in parts of Guatemala as of Oct. 24, demanding that Attorney General Consuelo Porras and other officials resign from their positions. Demonstrators reportedly blocked several points along the Pan-American Highway (CA-1) in Solola and Quiche departments, as well as National Route 1 (RN-1) in San Jorge La Laguna, Solola Department. The renewed demonstrations come after protesters temporarily lifted their roadblocks across the country Oct. 22 and vowed to refocus their protest activity outside government buildings in Guatemala City until their demands were met.

Despite the concentration of roadblocks in Solola and Quiche departments Oct. 24 and indigenous leaders' previous assertion that protest activity would be centered in the capital, related protests and accompanying roadblocks may materialize in locations across the country over the coming days. The demonstrations and roadblocks will likely cause significant disruptions to road transport over the short term and may impact operations at border crossings and ports in the country if they expand in geographic scope. 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 if police attempt to dismantle the roadblocks and forcibly disperse protesters.

Context

Demonstrators have been demanding the resignation of Porras and other officials since Oct. 2, after the Public Ministry (Ministerio Publico, MP) seized general election vote tallies from the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (Tribunal Supremo Electoral, TSE) on Sept. 29. The 2023 general elections were further marred by controversy as three main presidential candidates were barred from running. Meanwhile, supporters of Bernardo Arevalo, who won the Aug. 20 presidential runoff, have expressed concerns that he could be blocked from taking office in early 2024 as MP leaders have launched several investigations against him and his Semilla party during and after the electoral process.

Criticism against 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.