Honduras: Anti-government demonstrations planned nationwide Jan. 27

Event

Anti-government demonstrations are planned in Tegucigalpa and other cities on Sunday, January 27, to call for the resignation of President Juan Orlando Hernandez. The opposition-led protests are being called to highlight alleged irregularities in the November 2017 general election. The security minister indicated on Friday, January 25, that security forces will use force to disperse protests if necessary. A heightened security presence and transportation disruptions are possible, including on roads leading to Toncontín International Airport (TGU) in Tegucigalpa. Clashes between protesters and security forces cannot be ruled out. 

Context

Monitors reported voting irregularities during the 2017 general election, in which President Juan Orlando Hernandez won by a margin of less than two percent, prompting widespread protests. Demonstrations lasted into January 2018, during which at least seven people died. The Organization of American States (OAS) also concluded the election featured irregularities and called for new polls; President Hernandez has rejected the position of the OAS.  

Advice

Individuals in Honduras are advised to follow all instructions issued by local authorities, avoid all protests due to the risk of violence, allow for extra time to reach their destinations, and adhere to any instructions issued by the local authorities.