Honduras: US warns against unnecessary travel

Event

On Monday, December 11, the US Department of State issued a warning to American citizens considering travel to Honduras, advising against unnecessary travel to the country’s mainland due to the ongoing threat of political protests and potential violence. Demonstrations linked to the contested presidential election (held on November 26) have been ongoing throughout the country since November 29; according to Amnesty International, 14 people have died as a result of associated violence. Media sources reported on Monday that security forces are clearing streets of barricades and debris from the recent demonstrations. Although a general strike called for December 11 went largely unfollowed, additional large-scale protests remain possible in the coming days. Salvador Nasralla, the opposition candidate, has called for supporters to continue their protests.

Context

The Tribunal Supremo Electoral (TSE) announced the results of a partial recount of the presidential election on Sunday, December 10, giving incumbent President Juan Orlando Hernández a 1.6 percent lead over Nasralla. The TSE's final deadline to declare an election winner is December 26. On December 5, Nasralla urged the TSE to review all voting cards, or to permit a runoff election between Nasralla and President Hernández. Honduran law does not currently permit such elections, so special legislation would need to be drafted.

Protests have been ongoing throughout Honduras since November 29. Reports of vandalism and looting are widespread, particularly in urban areas. On December 1, military officials announced that the government had suspended several constitutional guarantees, granting security forces greater power to address election-related protests and violence.

Advice

Individuals in Honduras are advised to adhere to any instructions issued by local authorities (including curfew orders), monitor developments to the situation, and strictly avoid all demonstrations.

Visitors to the country should note that political activism by foreign nationals is prohibited under Honduran law. Foreigners who take part in demonstrations or other political activities risk detention and or/deportation.