Guatemala: Indigenous and opposition activists continuing roadblocks and demonstrations nationwide as of Oct. 10 /update 2

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. 10. The purpose of the protests, which began early Oct. 2, is to demand the resignation of several judicial officials after the Public Ministry (Ministerio Publico, MP) seized general election vote tallies from the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (Tribunal Supremo Electoral, TSE) on Sept. 29.

As of early Oct. 10, activists were maintaining 136 roadblocks nationwide. In Guatemala City, a demonstration continues outside the MP's main offices; moreover, demonstrators have been blocking the Calzada Roosevelt and part of the Anillo Periferico, two of the primary thoroughfares in the nation's capital. Elsewhere, roadblocks are affecting most areas of the country, with more than a dozen located along the Pan American Highway (CA 1), the CA 2, and the CA 9, as well as numerous other inter-departmental highways.

Authorities plan to disperse gatherings blocking parts of the capital and major highways amid reports indicating that goods shortages are beginning to occur in some area, and counter-protests emerging as residents demand the reopening of roads. Additionally, Volaris Airline (Y4) has canceled all its flights serving Guatemala City for Oct. 10; the carrier will likely cancel additional flights in the coming days if blockades continue.

The demonstrations and accompanying roadblocks will likely continue to cause major 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 likely, especially as police start to dismantle the roadblocks and forcibly disperse protesters.

Context

The widespread roadblocks that started Oct. 2 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.