El Salvador: Security forces enter Parliament in San Salvador February 9

Event

Heavily armed members of the police force and army forcibly entered Parliament in San Salvador on Sunday, February 9, just ahead of a scheduled address by President Nayib Bukele. The President was to speak with members of parliament about a proposed loan plan that would supply the police and armed forces with equipment and other resources to fight crime, in a country where some of the highest murder rates in the world are reported. While some members of parliament did not want to discuss the plan, Bukele called on the state's security forces to present themselves. In addition, there are media reports of an estimated 50,000 pro-government supporters that demonstrated at Parliament to show support for the plan.

Similar demonstrations of support for the Bukele government cannot be ruled out in the coming several days, as Parliament discusses the proposed loan plan. A heightened security presence is to be expected in the event of a demonstration.  

Advice

Individuals in San Salvador are advised to monitor the situation, avoid all protests as a precaution, and obey instructions issued by local authorities.