Guatemala: Indigenous and opposition activists likely to continue demonstrating and blocking roads nationwide through at least early October /update 1

Event

Activists affiliated with the 48 Cantons of Totonicapan (Los 48 Cantones de Totonicapan) and other indigenous and opposition groups are likely to continue demonstrating and blocking roads across Guatemala through at least early October. 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. On Oct. 3, demonstrators reportedly obstructed access to the Public Ministry headquarters in Guatemala City and blocked more than 20 roads - including CA-1 Occidente, CA-1 Oriente, and CA-10, among others - in various parts of the country.

The demonstrations and accompanying roadblocks will likely 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 cannot be ruled out, especially if police attempt to dismantle the blockades or forcibly disperse protesters.

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.