Fighting broke out between rival gangs at women’s prison, leaving dozens dead and triggering military takeover; anti-corruption efforts continued.

Armed forces seized control of prisons following deadly riot. Riot 20 June at women’s prison in Tamara town, Francisco Morazán department (centre), left at least 46 people dead; reports said prisoners belonging to Barrio 18 gang attacked cell block housing rival MS-13 gang, burning, hacking and shooting victims. President Castro said riot was planned by gangs with “knowledge and acquiescence of security authorities” and fired security minister, replacing him with National Police head Gustavo Sánchez. In step away from promises to put civilian police in charge of penal system, govt same day placed all prisons under control of military for one year. Meanwhile, violence continued throughout country despite state of emergency, due to end or be extended on 5 July. Notably, unidentified gunmen 15 June killed environmental activist in Tocoa, Colón department (north); govt 25 June announced night-time curfews in Choloma and San Pedro Sula cities, both Cortés department (north west), following spate of violent incidents that killed 22 people previous day.

Anti-corruption efforts continued despite concerns. Govt and UN 16 June extended memorandum of understanding, aimed at supporting establishment of International Commission Against Corruption and Impunity (CICIH), until Dec 2023. Despite progress, experts and politicians continued to stress CICIH would prove futile unless Congress repeals decrees granting members of Congress immunity.

In another important development. After cutting diplomatic relations with Taiwan and formally establishing relations with China in March 2023, govt 11 June opened embassy in Chinese capital Beijing during Castro’s 9-14 June state visit.

Fighting broke out between rival gangs at women’s prison, leaving dozens dead and triggering military takeover; anti- corruption efforts continued.

Armed forces seized control of prisons following deadly riot. Riot 20 June at women’s prison in Tamara town, Francisco Morazán department (centre), left at least 46 people dead; reports said prisoners belonging to Barrio 18 gang attacked cell block housing rival MS-13 gang, burning, hacking and shooting victims. President Castro said riot was planned by gangs with “knowledge and acquiescence of security authorities” and fired security minister, replacing him with National Police head Gustavo Sánchez. In step away from promises to put civilian police in charge of penal system, govt same day placed all prisons under control of military for one year. Meanwhile, violence continued throughout country despite state of emergency, due to end or be extended on 5 July. Notably, unidentified gunmen 15 June killed environmental activist in Tocoa, Colón department (north); govt 25 June announced night-time curfews in Choloma and San Pedro Sula cities, both Cortés department (north west), following spate of violent incidents that killed 22 people previous day.

Anti-corruption efforts continued despite concerns. Govt and UN 16 June extended memorandum of understanding, aimed at supporting establishment of International Commission Against Corruption and Impunity (CICIH), until Dec 2023. Despite progress, experts and politicians continued to stress CICIH would prove futile unless Congress repeals decrees granting members of Congress immunity.

In another important development. After cutting diplomatic relations with Taiwan and formally establishing relations with China in March 2023, govt 11 June opened embassy in Chinese capital Beijing during Castro’s 9-14 June state visit.

Authorities extended state of exception amid mounting scepticism of measure and high levels of violence; efforts to install anti-corruption body continued at slow pace.

Insecurity persisted, notably targeting women, LGBT+ community and journalists. Despite growing opposition to state of exception, govt 20 May extended measure until 5 July as director of police continued to tout impact. Violence continued, however, with 957 murders recorded in 2023 and extortion still prevalent. Number of recent reports illustrated that women, LGBT+ people and journalists particularly targeted: newspaper Proceso 9 May reported 130 femicides 6 Dec-30 April; LGBT+ organisation Cattrachas 7 May said 194 members of community killed 2017-2022, with convictions in only 13 cases; human rights commissioner 2 May said 97 journalists killed since 2001.

Anti-corruption efforts progressed slowly. UN and govt 4 May announced impending arrival of international experts to help install International Commission Against Corruption and Impunity (CICIH); preparations still under way by end of month. Congress continued to block legal reforms required in memorandum of understanding with UN, which could overshadow progress to establish CICIH; among opponents is opposition National Party, which 2 May accused govt of moulding CICIH procedures in ruling Libre party’s interests.

Wave of violent incidents prompted govt assessment of prison conditions; NGO said Honduras and its neighbours faced “extreme” levels of violence.

Eruption of prison riots prompted govt to assess prison conditions. Riots 8 April broke out in four prisons, including in capital Tegucigalpa and Tamara National Penitentiary, injuring twelve inmates and killing one. Some reports suggested riots were motivated by poor conditions, including increased prison population, lack of food and limited hygiene supplies. Castro 11 April asked Undersecretary of Security Julissa Villanueva to create intervention plan for prisons, who 18 April set out ten key points intervention will address, including obtaining and digitising number of inmates, vetting prison staff, and separating sentenced inmates from pre-trial detainees. Following day, shooting at prison in Ilama municipality, Santa Barbara department wounded seven prisoners.

NGO decried region’s “war-like” levels of violence. State of exception continued after President Castro late March renewed measure for additional six months, despite uncertainty within govt about its impact. Meanwhile, head of NGO Norwegian Refugee Council 24 April said Honduras and other Central American countries are experiencing “war-like” levels of violence. Inter-American Commission on Human Rights 28 April expressed concern about high levels of violence, with criminals notably targeting women and environmentalists.

Govt expressed doubt about state of exception’s utility amid continued violence and established diplomatic relations with China.

Although police claimed decrease in homicides, violence continued. Amid state of exception, extended in Feb until April to tackle extortion but which so far has yielded few results, former President Porfirio Lobo 5 March called for “Bukele-style” policy to improve outcomes, referring to El Salvador’s heavy-handed tactics to tackle gangs. National police 17 March published graph showing decrease in homicides, allegedly due to measure. Violent incidents continued, however. Notably, unknown assailants 4 March killed six in Comayagüela city; armed men 6 March killed nine in Comayagua city. President Castro 7 March lashed out at high-ranking security officials, criticising their failure to prevent violence despite state of exception, signalling govt’s uncertainty about whether to rely on measure to tackle insecurity.

Govt established diplomatic ties with China. Castro 14 March instructed FM Reina to establish diplomatic relations with China, citing, among other things, hope for more aid; Taiwan same day warned that Honduras could fall into China’s debt trap, disguised as selfless aid. Honduras 25 March formally established diplomatic ties with China and severed them with Taiwan.

In other important developments. U.S. court 28 March sentenced Herlinda Bobadilla, leader of Montes Bobadilla trafficking clan, to 20 years in prison on drug trafficking charges.

Congress elected new Supreme Court magistrates, and govt extended state of emergency until April.

Lawmakers elected new Supreme Court judges. After four failed attempts, Congress 16 Feb elected 15 magistrates who will comprise Supreme Court for next seven years. As in previous elections, lawmakers voted for judges politically aligned with their own party; ruling Libre party secured six seats, National Party five and Liberal Party four. With no party able to secure majority of justices, process marked step toward creation of checks and balances. UN and international mission sent to observe selection 17 Feb praised it as step forward compared with previous processes, but expressed concerns about imposition of political quotas. Honduras’ Saviour Party, which played crucial role in President Castro’s electoral victory, 16 Feb dismissed election as “partisan-driven” amid deepening divide with govt.

Govt extended state of emergency. Head of Police Gustavo Sánchez 7 Feb said state of emergency, first imposed in Dec 2022 to tackle extortion, had reduced average number of homicides per day from nine in 2022 to seven so far in 2023. Authorities 21 Feb confirmed its extension by 45 days and expansion to 48 other municipalities across country.

U.S. prosecutors revealed details in corruption case of former president. Following first anniversary of former President Hernández’s detention, U.S. prosecutors 10 Feb said Honduras’ powerful Rosenthal family had bribed him to facilitate their money-laundering and drug-trafficking activities.

Govt extended state of emergency amid efforts to tackle extortion, and congress failed to elect new Supreme Court members.

Govt extended and expanded state of emergency. After govt imposed state of emergency in Dec 2022 to tackle apparent rise in extortion, Honduran Press Secretariat 7 Jan announced extension by 45 days and expansion to 73 other municipalities across country. Head of Police Gustavo Sánchez 3 Jan said police had dismantled 38 criminal gangs, apprehended 652 gang members and served 717 arrest warrants and that this had been done with “no complaints of human rights violations”. Meanwhile, shoot-out between security forces and gang members 30 Jan left one police officer dead in capital Tegucigalpa.

First attempt to elect Supreme Court members failed. Nominating Board 23 Jan published list of 45 candidates for election of new Supreme Court members, from which Congress elects 15 members. Political tensions simmered ahead of 25 Jan vote since court members are often elected along party lines. Notably, both ruling Libre party and opposition National Party throughout Jan accused each other of planning violent mobilisations on day of election. Congress 25 Jan failed to elect new Supreme Court members; unclear when Congress will convene for new vote, which must occur before 11 Feb deadline.

State of exception came into effect in two cities marked by high levels of violence; govt and UN agreed on memorandum for next phase of international anti-corruption body.

Govt imposed state of exception in some areas of Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula. Amid mounting pressure to combat apparent rise in extortion, President Castro 3 Dec signed executive decree imposing state of exception on 162 neighbourhoods in capital Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula city for one month, starting 6 Dec; authorities 6 Dec announced deployment of 20,000 security forces to ensure compliance. State of exception can be extended by Congress and suspends citizen’s freedoms of movement and assembly. Security minister 13 Dec announced that since govt had introduced measure, extortion had fallen by 40% and 228 gang members had been arrested. Shoot-out between security forces and gang members 19 Dec left two people dead, including one military police officer, in La Peña neighbourhood of Tegucigalpa. Police 29 Dec called for measure’s extension to several other cities.

Govt and UN signed memorandum to establish UN-backed anti-corruption body. Castro 14 Dec met with UN Sec-Gen António Guterres to discuss International Commission against Corruption and Impunity in Honduras, next day signed memorandum of understanding on phases toward its establishment. Opposition National Party 10 Dec demanded that UN fully fund commission amid fears that govt funding could compromise commission’s independence.

Rising extortion rates prompted govt to declare national emergency; discussions over election of Supreme Court members inflamed political frictions.

Govt declared national emergency amid mounting levels of extortion. Supreme Court president 4 Nov said establishment of UN-backed International Commission against Corruption and Impunity in Honduras will not be enough to curb increasing rates of violent crime if national institutions are not strengthened. Head of Council for Private Enterprise 14 Nov said extortion was “getting out of hand” and called on authorities to intervene. Head of Police Gustavo Sánchez 24 Nov released plan to tackle extortion and President Castro same day declared national security emergency, announcing measures such as border militarisation and bank controls to “eradicate extortion”. Sánchez 25 Nov said operations will initially focus on 120 neighbourhoods in capital Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula, two most populous and violent cities.

Efforts to elect new Supreme Court aggravated political tensions. Amid brewing political crisis, which emerged mid-Oct after ruling party Libre announced alliance with Honduras’ Saviour Party (PSH) had broken down, political debate largely centred on election of new Supreme Court members. Nominating committee tasked with selecting candidates 1 Nov published list of 185 candidates for 2023-2030 term, trimmed down to 105 on 18 Nov. Committee has until mid-Jan to forward list of 45 candidates to National Congress, which in turn elects 15 members. Former President and Libre coordinator Manuel Zelaya 11 Nov acknowledged that selection of Court justices is guided by political interests and announced negotiations with opposition National Party on distribution of Supreme Court seats between each party; VP and head of PSH Salvador Nasralla same day insisted on PHS participation in any negotiations. Leader of National Party, Tomás Zambrano, 14 Nov said Libre had not shown willingness to negotiate in good faith.

Alliance between ruling Libre party and Honduras’ Saviour Party reportedly fell apart, insecurity persisted, and efforts to establish international anti-corruption body proceeded at slow pace.

Ruling alliance reportedly broke down. Political frictions surfaced after former President Manuel Zelaya Rosales, coordinator of ruling Libre party, 14 Oct announced alliance between Libre and Honduras’ Saviour Party (PSH), which helped Xiomara Castro win 2021 presidential election, had “broken down”. Although alliance had shown fractures since Oct 2021 formation, VP and head of PSH Salvador Nasralla had recently been criticising govt more frequently and publicly for bypassing him in executive decisions, leading to 14 Oct announcement. Gilberto Ríos, leader of Libre, 15 Oct blamed U.S. embassy in Honduras for collapse, claiming it was working with Nasralla to break alliance. Much-weakened coalition in Congress could threaten govt’s ability to push through legislation.

High levels of violence persisted, notably targeting journalists and women. Gunmen 10 Oct shot dead journalist Edwin Josué Andino and his father in capital Tegucigalpa, marking fifth journalist killed in 2022; police next day said crime was planned by organised criminal structures. Reports 22 Oct emerged that 18th Street gang members had forced at least 20 families in Villa Nueva neighbourhood of Tegucigalpa to flee after receiving dead threats. Meanwhile, local feminist organisation “Visitación Padilla” Women’s Movement for Peace 24 Oct called on govt to declare national emergency after reports emerged that 13 women had been killed across country previous week.

Negotiations to establish anti-corruption body continued at slow pace. MPs from Libre, National and PSH parties 19 Oct formed multiparty front in support of establishing UN-backed International Commission against Corruption and Impunity in Honduras (CICIH), for which negotiations have been proceeding at slow pace. Chancellor Enrique Reina 26 Oct said govt had received new memorandum draft from UN.

Amid govt’s efforts to tackle crime and strengthen rule of law, deadly attacks continued, notably targeting lawyers.

Criminal violence continued, notably targeting lawyers. Unknown assailants 1 Sept shot dead lawyer Kelvin Moncada in Danlí municipality, El Paraíso department (east); unidentified gunmen 8 Sept shot dead lawyer Santos Abel Martínez Barahona in capital Tegucigalpa. Over 200 lawyers have been murdered in Honduras since 2004; UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Nada al-Nashif 12 Sept urged strengthening of national protection system for human rights defenders in country.

Govt took steps to tackle gender-based violence and enforced disappearances. Director of National Statistics Institute (INE) and representative of country’s UN Development Programme (UNDP) 7 Sept announced that in Oct-Nov this year, Honduras would conduct specialised survey on violence against women and girls with UNDP support, in effort to tackle gender-based violence. National Police and International Committee of the Red Cross 14 Sept signed agreement to strengthen mechanisms in place for search of disappeared persons.

Efforts to strengthen rule of law and combat corruption continued. Congress 14 Sept ratified installation of Nominating Committee, which will be made up of representatives from different social sectors and tasked with proposing candidates for Supreme Court in 2023. Meanwhile, during speech at UN General Assembly, President Castro 20 Sept confirmed establishment of international commission to combat corruption with support of UN Sec-Gen António Guterres.

Amid ongoing efforts to detain and prosecute criminal leaders, authorities eradicated large number of coca bushes, and negotiations to establish UN-backed anti-corruption commission continued at slow pace. Judicial proceedings continued in U.S. against Honduran nationals extradited on drug-trafficking charges. Herlinda Bobadilla, head of Montes Bobadilla trafficking clan, 2 Aug pleaded not guilty to drug-trafficking charges at first court hearing in Virginia; trial expected to begin in Feb 2023. Former National Police Head Juan Carlos “El Tigre” Bonilla 10 Aug appeared before judge for first time, 19 Aug pleaded not guilty to drug-trafficking charges. Meanwhile, authorities 12 Aug extradited suspected MS-13 leader Tokiro Rodas Ramírez to U.S. on organised crime charges, 16 Aug arrested María Mendoza, alias “Marbella”, wanted for extradition by U.S. on human-trafficking charges, in La Esperanza municipality, Intibucá department (west). Authorities continued forced eradication of coca crops to curb activities of criminal groups, who largely control coca production. In Colón department (north east), authorities 1 Aug reported seizure of over 1.6mn coca bushes, largest seizure of its kind in country. In San Pedro Sula city, Cortés department (north west), unknown assailants 13 Aug killed five people, bringing number of massacres this year to 33. Meanwhile, efforts to establish anti-corruption commission continued at slow pace. Notably, govt 22 Aug submitted proposals and comments on memorandum draft that UN had proposed in July, suggesting limits to commission’s ability to serve as joint plaintiff and requesting to choose commissioner. On diplomatic front, Head of Congress Luis Redondo 11 Aug signed technical cooperation agreement with Legislative Assembly of El Salvador during visit to neighbouring country. Honduras next day abstained from Organization of American States (OAS) extraordinary session vote to condemn Nicaraguan President Ortega’s crackdown on dissent; OAS approved resolution.

Congress passed controversial law setting out procedures for Supreme Court judge selection in 2023; number of violent incidents occurred throughout month. Despite appeal from U.S. govt for President Castro to guarantee judicial independence, National Congress 19 July approved controversial law establishing criteria and procedures for selecting new Supreme Court judges in 2023. Draft bill prohibited political party members or family members of candidates to be on nominating committee, but law that passed removed those restrictions. Deputies from opposition National Party and Honduras’ Saviour Party (PSH) voted against bill, saying it enabled politicisation of court. PSH president same day said he would not enter into another electoral alliance with ruling Libre Party, accusing them of going back on their word. Spate of violent incidents occurred during month. In Ilama municipality, Santa Bárbara department (north), authorities 4 July said inmates from 18th Street gang killed six other prisoners in maximum security prison El Pozo. Meanwhile, heavily armed men 14 July intercepted and killed one of former President Porfirio Lobo’s sons and three others in capital Tegucigalpa; police chief 16 July announced six people arrested, all reportedly MS-13 gang members. Head of military police 18 July said his units would patrol together with national police, following orders from Castro. U.S. State Dept 20 July added 15 Honduran businessmen and current and former officials to list of corrupt actors in Central America, known as Engel list, including vice president of Congress. Govt 20 July rejected “politically motivated” list and accused U.S. of “interfering in domestic affairs”. 

Govt continued to make progress on tackling corruption and first signs of disagreement with U.S. emerged. President Castro’s govt continued to advance fight against corruption. Notably, court 10 June sentenced Marco Bográn, former executive of govt agency responsible for procuring emergency medical supplies, to ten years in prison for overpricing purchase of more than 470,000 masks and seven mobile hospitals during COVID-19 pandemic. Authorities 10 June began process of seizing assets belonging to extradited former head of National Police Juan Carlos Bonilla. Meanwhile, court 20 June sentenced former head of hydroelectric dam company Desarrollos Energéticos (DESA) to 22 years in prison for role in assassination of environmentalist Berta Cáceres. Month brought first signs of disagreement with U.S.. FM Eduardo Enrique Reina 6-10 June attended Americas Summit hosted by U.S. in Los Angeles; Castro did not attend due to U.S. administration’s exclusion of Cuba, Venezuela and Nicaragua. At summit, U.S. confirmed nearly $3.2 bn of new investments in northern Central America to stem migration. UN Sec Gen 9 June met Reina, reiterated support for immediate establishment of International Commission against Impunity in Honduras (CICIH); Reina said commission could be established before end of year. EU Ambassador 13 June said EU would not rule out supporting commission as long as it is independent.

Security forces continued targeting drug-trafficking organisations, authorities extradited former head of police, and setting-up of international anti-corruption body proceeded at slow pace. Authorities continued crackdown on criminal organisations. In Colón department (north east), police 15 May arrested Herlinda Bobadilla, leader of Montes Bobadilla trafficking clan, after U.S. authorities offered $15 mn reward for information leading to her and her sons’ arrest; in shootout, police killed Bobadilla’s son, Tito Montes Bobadilla, arrested three. In La Ceiba coastal town, police same day arrested Nicaraguan drug trafficker Omar Zamora Mayorga, who is wanted by U.S. Operations continued in Colón department to arrest those involved in assault and killing of three police officers in late April; police chief Gustavo Sánchez 4 May announced curfew’s extension for another 90 days. As of 2 May, police had eradicated 550,000 coca crops in 2022, surpassing 525,125 eradicated during 2021; forced eradication in country is aimed at curbing activities of criminal groups, who largely control coca production. Authorities 10 May extradited former head of National Police Juan Carlos Bonilla to U.S. on drug trafficking and weapons charges; Former President Juan Orlando Hernández same day pleaded not guilty to drug and weapons charges in federal court in U.S. Honduran court 19 May approved extradition to U.S. of MS-13 leader Tokiro Rodas Ramírez, alias “Perverso”. UN mission 9-13 May visited capital Tegucigalpa to assess possibility of creating International Commission Against Corruption and Impunity in Honduras; commission met with representatives from judiciary, legislature, executive and civil society, including country’s president, Xiomara Castro. President Castro 11 May said she would not attend Americas Summit planned 6-10 June unless all countries were invited.

Steps to tackle endemic corruption continued apace, former President Juan Orlando Hernández’s formally extradited to U.S., and transport workers launched one-day strike. Authorities 21 April extradited former President Hernández to U.S. on drug-trafficking and weapons charges after Constitutional Chamber of Supreme Court 6 April rejected defence appeal, and 15 magistrates of Supreme Court 12 April unanimously authorised extradition. Hernández 22 April appeared for first time before U.S. judge, who read charges against him. Judge 8 April also authorised U.S. extradition request of former National Police Head Juan Carlos “El Tigre” Bonilla, accused of overseeing Hernández’s drug-trafficking operations; Bonilla’s defence 11 April appealed decision, but Supreme Court 20 April confirmed extradition. National Defence Minister José Manuel Zelaya 3 April confirmed National Interinstitutional Security Force’s participation in arresting more than 12 Hondurans wanted in extradition by U.S. on drug-trafficking charges; Security Minister 6 April commented “surgical job” needed for fighting organised crime and corruption. UN 27 April said technical evaluation mission to assess possible establishment of International Anti-Corruption Commission due to arrive in Honduras 9 May. Meanwhile, transportation carriers 7 April launched nine-hour strike blocking main traffic avenues to protest rising fuel prices and demand state subsidies; President Castro immediately rejected demand to meet protestors because “stopping circulation is an illegal act punishable by law and represents a boycott of my government”. Castro and transport union 12 April signed agreement, including fixing tariffs and subsidies. Some transport representatives 19 April briefly blocked streets in capital Tegucigalpa, protesting against sanctions for increased prices. Administrators of national system of aqueducts and sewers 13 April warned Tegucigalpa faces humanitarian crisis due to water scarcity; UN World Food Programme 19 April sounded alarm about country’s worsening food security. Congress 20 April unanimously repealed tax-free Zones for Employment and Economic Development (ZEDEs), said they undermine national sovereignty. Laura Dogu 12 April became first U.S. ambassador to Honduras since 2017. President Castro 25 April announced state of emergency in Colón department (north) after three unknown men previous day reportedly killed three police officers.

Authorities took several steps to address endemic corruption, including approval of request to extradite former President Juan Orlando Hernández to U.S. National Congress 1 March approved repeal of 2013 “Law of Secrets”, which required classification of information on use of govt funds on grounds that, if disclosed, information could hinder country’s defence and national security. Congress 8 March appointed country’s first Anti-Corruption Committee; 16 March along with Anti-Corruption Committee agreed on institutional cooperation mechanism to increase transparency. Meanwhile, National Police 9 March arrested its former director, Juan Carlos “El Tigre”, who is wanted by U.S. court on drug-trafficking and weapons charges. Judge 16 March also approved U.S. request to extradite former President Hernández; defence next day said it would appeal decision; Supreme Court 28 March rejected demand, approved U.S. extradition request. Tribunal 17 March found former first lady, Rosa Elena Bonilla, guilty of fraud and embezzlement for second time, following trial repeat which had been requested in July 2020. Other moves however pointed to possible selective justice efforts as judiciary began implementing Feb amnesty law which paved way for dropping corruption charges against govt officials of Mel Zelaya administration. Meanwhile, President Xiomara Castro 1 March announced creation of penitentiary police and progressive public security demilitarisation; also said she would grant pardon to many inmates to reduce prisons’ overcrowding, although she has yet to specify who would benefit from relaxation measures. In unusual targeting of religious leaders, Rev José Enrique Vásquez was found dead 2 March in Morazán municipality (north), shot in head and chest; police 16-17 March detained three suspects for alleged role in killing. 

Agreement between factions of ruling party Libre ended split within assembly, but Luis Redondo’s leadership in Congress continued to be questioned; U.S. requested extradition of former President Juan Orlando Hernández. Following Jan dispute over election of National Congress head, Libre Party 7 Feb signed agreement with dissident deputies supporting Libre legislator Jorge Cálix, recognising instead Luis Redondo from Honduras’ Saviour Party (PSH) as National Congress head; agreed that 18 lawmakers who they said in late Jan would be expelled from party would be reinstated. Redondo next day presided first plenary with all 128 members; while deputies, mainly from opposition National Party, insisted vote for National Congress Head should be repeated, Libre and PSH rejected demand. U.S. 14 Feb requested former President Hernández be extradited on drug-trafficking and related weapon charges; 7 Feb said Hernández’s U.S. visa had been revoked and that he had been included in Engel List of corrupt Central American actors since 1 July 2021. Hernández 15 Feb said he would surrender voluntarily; authorities however same day arrested him and Hernández next day appeared before judge who confirmed temporary detention; judge following case 21 Feb admitted defence’s request to turn detention into house arrest; Supreme Court 24 Feb however rejected house arrest’s request. Trujillo local court 9 Feb found six Guapinol (east) environmental activists arrested in 2019 guilty of aggravated damages on a private mining company and illegal detention of their security chief; NGO Amnesty International and UN special rapporteur on human rights defenders same day strongly condemned ruling; Supreme Court 10 Feb overruled decision and ordered activists’ release. Congress 2 Feb passed amnesty law for state employees of Mel Zelaya’s administration who faced politically motivated judicial prosecution; Zelaya is President Castro’s husband and was deposed in coup d’état in 2009; critics noted amnesty also covered those accused of embezzlement. Castro 17 Feb asked UN to set up International Commission against Corruption and Impunity in Honduras to help national authorities prosecute corrupt practices.

President-elect Castro faced her first political test as split within her party triggered dispute over election of National Congress head; deadly violence against activists and mass migration continued. Tensions ran high during election of president of National Congress. In rejection of pre-election agreement signed in Oct 2021 between Libre Party and Honduras’ Saviour Party (PSH), some 20 Libre deputies, with support of National and Liberal parties, 21 Jan refused to appoint Luis Redondo from PSH as temporary head of Congress and instead appointed dissident Libre legislator Jorge Cálix, prompting brawl in Congress; Castro 21 Jan called it “treason”, and Libre same day expelled 18 lawmakers (some deputies later rejected expulsion, deeming it not in line with party statute). Libre followers same day occupied Congress entrance to protest. Two parallel Congress sessions held 23 Jan, one confirming Cálix, the other appointing Redondo. Castro 25 Jan offered Cálix to join her cabinet as coordinator, Cálix had yet to respond by end of the month. Amid tensions, Castro sworn in 27 Jan by judge, instead of head of Congress; Spain’s King Felipe VI and U.S. VP Kamala Harris, along with others, attended ceremony. Outgoing President Hernandez sworn in 27 Jan as member of Guatemala-based Central American Parliament, giving him immunity from prosecution during four-year tenure. Violence against social activists continued. Notably, unknown attackers 9 Jan killed Lenca community indigenous environmentalist and social leader Pablo Hernández in Lempira department, west of capital Tegucigalpa, triggering U.S. and EU condemnation; 10 Jan killed transgender activist Thalía Rodríguez in Tegucigalpa. Meanwhile, Guatemalan authorities 15 Jan dismantled caravan of 800 people composed mostly of Hondurans and Nicaraguans who had same day left Honduras’ San Pedro Sula city.

Following months of heightened political tensions, country headed toward peaceful transfer of power as President Hernández recognised victory of outsider presidential candidate Xiomara Castro. Outgoing President Hernández 1 Dec congratulated left-wing Liberty and Refoundation (LIBRE) party candidate Xiomara Castro on winning 28 Nov presidential election and called for “pacific and democratic transition of power”; Castro, first successful presidential candidate outside two traditional parties, due to become first female president in country’s history after taking office 27 Jan. U.S. VP Kamala Harris 10 Dec congratulated Castro on “historic victory”, expressed willingness “to increase economic opportunities, combat corruption, and deepen the partnership between the U.S. and Honduras”. National Electoral Council (NEC) 20 Dec released final presidential results, declaring Castro winner with 51.12% of votes, 14 points ahead of ruling National Party candidate Nasry Asfura at 36.93%; said turnout reached 68.58%. Meanwhile, controversy emerged over legislative elections also held 28 Nov. Candidates from various parties, particularly from Castro’s running mate Honduras’ Saviour Party, early Dec filed multiple complaints alleging fraud favouring candidates from both National Party and Liberal Party. NEC 7 Dec announced recount of almost 5,000 ballot boxes for legislative and municipal elections following at least 281 appeals; 28 Dec announced final results, with LIBRE winning 50 seats, National Party 44, Liberal Party 22, and Honduras’ Saviour Party ten. U.S. 2 Dec said Honduras, among other countries, was not invited to virtual summit for democracy to be held 9-10 Dec, citing “very disturbing activities” undermining democracy. Violence against politicians, political activists or civil society leaders persisted after 28 Nov votes. Notably, unidentified assailants 5 Dec shot and killed local leader of LIBRE party in Santa Cruz municipality, Lempira department. Armed individuals 8 Dec shot dead justice official in La Unión municipality, Olancho department, and next day killed lawyer in Danlí municipality, El Paraíso department.

Despite deadly violence against local politicians in lead-up to polls, win of opposition presidential candidate Xiomara Castro accepted peacefully by month’s end. Following 28 Nov general elections, electoral authorities 30 Nov presented preliminary results, giving opposition candidate Castro 20-point lead in presidential race with 53% of votes against 34% for ruling National Party candidate Nasry Asfura. Voter turnout high at 68%. Liberal Party candidate Yani Rosenthal, as well as private sector leaders, 29 Nov recognised Castro’s victory, and National Party next day acknowledged defeat. Legislative elections result however still unclear by month’s end. First part of Nov saw worrying deadly attacks dominate electoral campaign. In Francisco Morazán department (centre), unidentified assailants overnight 5-6 Nov shot and killed local politician and member of ruling National Party of Honduras (PNH) Renán Godoy Martín in Talanga municipality, and 13 Nov killed San Juan de Flores’ mayor and opposition Liberal Party of Honduras (PLH) official Francisco Gaitán Agüero. In neighbouring La Paz department, unidentified assailants 11 Nov killed Óscar Moya, local PLH official and municipal councillor in Santiago de Puringla. In Santa Bárbara department (north), gunmen 13 Nov killed local opposition Liberty and Re-Foundation (LIBRE) official Elvir Casaña in San Luis city. Internationally, authorities 4 Nov detained opposition presidential candidate Santos Rodríguez Orellana in capital Tegucigalpa on money-laundering charges. International partners reiterated calls for peaceful elections. Head of EU Electoral Observation Mission, Željana Zovko, 1 Nov urged politicians to end campaign of “fear and polarisation”, while UN Office in Honduras 9 Nov called on all candidates “to desist from any action that violates human rights”. UN human rights chief Michelle Bachelet 23 Nov expressed “deep concern” over political violence, said her office had recorded 63 cases including 29 killings since Sept 2020.

In possible game-changing move ahead of 28 Nov general elections, top opposition parties formed alliance. Opposition parties Liberty and Refoundation (Libre) and Salvador de Honduras 13 Oct formed alliance and rallied behind Libre’s Xiomara Castro as presidential candidate, with view to offering her stronger platform against ruling party candidate Nasry Asfura. CID-Gallup poll 8 Oct had previously indicated Asfura leading race with 21% voting intention, followed by Castro and Salvador de Honduras’ candidate Salvador Nasralla with 18% each. Congress 7 Oct approved reforms to Penal Code and anti-money-laundering law, which among other changes, identify civil society organisations investigating corruption as “Politically Exposed People” – those who are more vulnerable to being involved in bribery and corruption by virtue of their position – and expand definition of crime of usurpation, which could lead to criminalisation of protests. Critics, including head of public ministry’s anti-corruption prosecution office, same day argued changes part of effort to protect members of Congress from corruption investigations. Public ministry 18 Oct detained ruling National Party of Honduras mayor of Talanga town, Roosevelt Eduardo Aviléz López, and some of his family members, on money-laundering charges.

Political tensions ran high ahead of general elections scheduled for Nov, and deportation of Honduran migrants from Mexico and U.S. continued. Violence against politicians continued. Unidentified gunman 6 Sept shot and injured mayoral candidate for opposition Liberty and Refoundation Party (LIBRE) in San Luis municipality, Santa Bárbara department. Unidentified gunmen 21 Sept reportedly kidnapped and later killed ruling National Party of Honduras official and former municipal councillor of San Luis municipality, Comayagua department. CID-Gallup opinion poll which surveyed 1,288 people 10 Sept found ruling-party presidential candidate, Tegucigalpa Mayor Nasry Asfura, holds narrow lead with 21% voting intentions, followed by LIBRE candidate Xiomara Castro, and other prominent opposition candidate Salvador Nasralla, both at 18%; absent procedural law that lays out clear mechanisms to settle electoral disputes and defines legal jurisdictions, tight race could trigger post-electoral crisis. Meanwhile, upward trend in deportations of Honduran nationals from Mexico and U.S. continued. Consular and Migration Observatory of Honduras 7 Sept said 36,833 Hondurans had been deported back to their country between 1 Jan and 31 Aug – compared to 28,182 during same period last year.

Authorities expanded tax-free zones despite opposition and launched major anti-gang operation. Congress 13 Aug approved law that allows tax-free Zones for Employment and Economic Development (ZEDEs) to sign agreements with municipalities, 126 of whom have rejected move so far. Combined police and military force 13 Aug launched operation against criminal gangs in at least 12 cities; public ministry same day claimed operation was successful, resulting in 138 people detained, 35 guns and $160,000 seized. Authorities 27 Aug arrested Jerry Hynds, mayor of Caribbean island Roatán, and three other men on drug trafficking charges. Over 75 NGOs 18 Aug called on Supreme Court to order release of eight environmental activists who have been detained for two years; request comes after Public Ministry in June requested extension of their provisional detention, which was granted 26 Aug for another six months. National Electoral Council 4 Aug approved budget of HNL1,000mn ($42mn) for Nov general elections, next day announced approval of digital results transmission system aimed at considerably speeding up counting of votes.

Uncertainty persisted over electoral process, opposition to tax-free economic zones continued, and U.S. sanctioned officials for alleged corruption. National Electoral Council 13 July warned general elections scheduled for Nov are at risk since Congress has not yet approved funds to implement provisions foreseen in May electoral reforms. Opposition to govt’s plan to install more tax-free Zones for Employment and Economic Development (ZEDEs) continued to mount. Several social and peasant organisations 14 July staged rallies in capital Tegucigalpa and La Ceiba city (north) to demand that all municipalities be declared free of ZEDEs, arguing that they do not produce employment and could lead to displacement of vulnerable populations. National Anti-Corruption Council 19 July presented legislative proposal to repeal current ZEDEs law. Unidentified gunmen 6 July killed peasant and human rights defender Juan Manuel Moncada in Colón department (north); UN human rights office in Honduras 8 July called for prompt and impartial investigation and urged govt to take “necessary measures” to protect peasant leaders and rights defenders. Tegucigalpa High Court 5 July found former head of construction firm DESA, David Castillo, guilty of masterminding killing of environmental activist Berta Cáceres in 2016; Cáceres had led opposition to DESA’s dam project. U.S. State Dept 1 July imposed visa restrictions on 21 senior Honduran politicians, including 13 lawmakers, over accusations of corruption, obstructing justice, or undermining democracy; 20 July announced visa restrictions on former President Pepe Lobo and his immediate relatives for alleged corruption.

Deadly brawl opposed members of two rival gangs in country’s most notorious prison. Brawl between members of 18th Street gang and rival MS-13 gang 17 June broke out at La Tolva high-security prison east of capital Tegucigalpa, leaving at least five inmates killed and 39 people injured, including prison guards; prisons have been under military control since late 2019. Unidentified gunmen 7 June killed member of Garifuna indigenous community in Comayagua city (centre), bringing to six number of Garifuna people killed in 2021. Govt continued to face accusations of mismanagement of COVID-19 pandemic. National Anticorruption Council (CNA) 14 June said only two of seven mobile hospitals purchased in 2020 to treat COVID-19 patients have become operational, denounced “paved roads for the corrupt”; CNA has submitted to prosecutors 14 reports on irregularities in mobile hospitals’ purchase since 2020. Police 18 June fired tear gas to disperse peaceful protesters demanding reconstruction of levees washed away by hurricanes in 2020 in San Pedro Sula city’s neighbourhood Chamelecón (north). Some 32 civil society groups 16 June formed national movement against tax-free Special Zones of Economic Development (ZEDEs), arguing they do not produce employment and could lead to displacement of vulnerable populations; 22 June organised small protest against ZEDEs in Tegucigalpa. U.S. development agency Administrator Samantha Power 13 June visited Honduras, announced nearly $24mn in aid to address root causes of migration.

Despite approval of new electoral law, uncertainty continued to loom over electoral process in lead-up to Nov polls. National Congress 25 May approved new electoral law. Opposition leader and former presidential candidate Salvador Nasralla same day decried law as “farce” that consolidates three-party system and excludes others, said his party will boycott Nov elections if not granted representatives at polling stations. National Anticorruption Council 26 May also criticised law for allowing individuals facing corruption investigations to run. U.S. court 13 May requested extradition of former police chief, Juan Carlos “El Tigre” Bonilla, on drug-trafficking charges. U.S. Congresswoman 18 May disclosed names of five Honduran lawmakers accused by U.S. State Dept of embezzlement or narco-trafficking. Govt continued to face criticism over management of COVID-19 pandemic. Notably, National Anticorruption Council 6 May urged President Hernández’s govt to immediately address deficiencies and shortcomings of triage centres in seven departments.

Govt continued to face legitimacy crisis ahead of Nov general elections amid drug trafficking and corruption allegations against senior officials. After U.S. court late March sentenced President Hernández’s brother to life imprisonment on drug trafficking charges, 37 civil society groups 5 April urged Hernández to step down; also called on heads of Congress, Supreme Court, Attorney General’s Office and armed forces to resign for supporting “corrupt and criminal family” in power. Authorities 8 April arrested two former govt officials on corruption charges related to $47mn purchase of seven mobile hospitals amid COVID-19 pandemic. Meanwhile, Luis Zelaya, losing candidate for Liberal Party in 14 March primary elections, 13 April filed complaint to Public Prosecutor’s Office, claiming widespread electoral fraud, demanding election results be annulled and National Electoral Council members  dismissed. Govt 7 April signed agreement with Honduran Private Enterprise Council allowing organisation to negotiate purchase and import of COVID-19 vaccines with pharmaceutical companies; doctors’ associations and other civil society groups decried move as admission of govt’s incapacity to provide vaccines. Unidentified gunmen 6 April killed female lawyer in Comayaguela city. Six members of U.S. House of Representatives 21 April introduced bill to request sanctions against Hernández and suspension of military cooperation with Honduras, citing corruption and human rights violations.

As president’s brother sentenced for drug trafficking in U.S., top level officials continued to face accusations of supporting long-established drug trafficking network. U.S. court 30 March sentenced president’s brother, Juan Antonio “Tony” Hernández, to life imprisonment for drug trafficking and ordered over $138mn in his assets to be confiscated. U.S. court 22 March also found Honduran national Geovanny Fuentes Ramírez guilty of drug trafficking. During Fuentes’ trial, Los Cachiros drug cartel’s former head Devis Leonel Rivera Maradiaga 11 March said he had bribed President Hernández when he was head of Congress in 2012 in exchange for protection; also said Los Cachiros bribed current VP Ricardo Álvarez and former President Zelaya in 2012 and 2006 respectively; both immediately denied accusations. U.S. Prosecutor 19 March said Hernández accepted bribes from Fuentes as recently as 2019. Ahead of trial, Hernández 8 March said anti-drug cooperation between Honduras and U.S. would be jeopardised should U.S. authorities believe “false testimonies” and once again denied accusations of partnering with traffickers. Ahead of Nov general elections, primary elections 14 March took place for all political parties despite lack of electoral law, and absence of quick-vote count or results transmission mechanism; roughly 1mn voters (out of 5mn) reportedly unable to cast vote due to incongruencies between old and new voter registries. As of 26 March, preliminary results showed capital Tegucigalpa mayor, Nasry Afura (under investigation for alleged misuse of public funds), in lead position to gain ruling National Party’s nomination; former Minister Yani Rosenthal (who served three years in U.S. prison for laundering drug money) in lead position for opposition Liberal Party; and wife of former President Zelaya, Xiomara Castro, in lead position for opposition Libre Party. Luis Zelaya, losing candidate for Liberal Party, rejected preliminary results, citing “evident signs of fraud”, and 24 March formed electoral coalition with two Libre Party losing candidates and former presidential candidate Salvador Nasralla. As of 25 March, electoral authorities had received 147 challenges to electoral results. Unidentified assailant 22 March shot and killed indigenous and environmental activist Carlos Cerros near San Antonio city in north west.

Death of female student in police custody sparked protests, while tensions mounted over drug trafficking accusations against President Hernández. Nursing student Keyla Martínez overnight 6-7 Feb died in police custody hours after police arrested her in Intibucá department’s capital La Esperanza (west) for allegedly breaching COVID-19 curfew; police initially said Martínez had committed suicide but Attorney General’s Office 9 Feb said forensic tests found “strong indications” of homicide. Protests against police brutality and gender-based violence, and calling for justice, 8-10 Feb erupted in several cities; in capital Tegucigalpa, police reportedly detained five protesters, and in La Esperanza, protesters set police station’s main gate on fire and clashed with police. In joint statement, EU delegation and UN Office in Honduras 11 Feb called for immediate investigation into Martínez’s death. Meanwhile, U.S. prosecutors 5 Feb confirmed Hernández under U.S. investigation for allegedly using Honduran security forces to protect drug traffickers as part of plan “to use drug trafficking to help assert power”; Hernández 8 Feb denied accusations. Eight U.S. Congress members 23 Feb introduced bill to sanction Hernández and cut military aid to Honduras in light of accusations. Several civil society, private sector and lawyers associations, as well as opposition representatives, next day asked Hernández to resign and called for protests 26 Feb; police that day fired tear gas to disperse hundreds of protesters in capital Tegucigalpa. Ahead of primary elections set for 14 March and general elections in Nov, Congress by month’s end had not yet approved new electoral law setting rules and guidelines for electoral process. Appeals Court 17 Feb authorised Attorney General’s Office to press embezzlement of public funds and money laundering charges against Tegucigalpa mayor and presidential precandidate Nasry ‘Tito’ Asfura.

Fresh allegations of President Hernández’s involvement in drug trafficking emerged, and thousands departed for U.S. U.S. prosecutors 8 Jan accused Hernández of aiding prominent drug trafficker to deliver tons of cocaine to U.S. in 2013 in exchange for hefty bribes and access to his laboratory; prosecutors also accused former army chief, René Orlando Ponce, of providing logistical support to same trafficker. Govt and Ponce immediately rejected U.S. accusations, claiming they are part of revenge campaign by captured drug traffickers. Three opposition deputies 14 Jan presented formal impeachment request against Hernández, but Congress 25 Jan repealed motion. Meanwhile, gang violence continued amid competition for control of drug markets. Authorities late Dec to mid-Jan found at least 15 bodies in plastic bags in several cities across country including Tegucigalpa, Tela, San Pedro Sula, Choloma and Santa Bárbara. Ahead of general elections set for Nov, Congress 14 Jan failed to pass new electoral law; stumbling blocks include party presence in polling stations and reimbursement of party campaigning expenses. Ruling National Party 25 Jan said law will be discussed after primaries scheduled for March. In joint statement, Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras govts 11 Jan said they will coordinate efforts to curb irregular migration. Caravan of 6,000-9,000 U.S.-bound Hondurans, split into two groups, 14-15 Jan departed from San Pedro Sula city in Cortés department (north west). Thousands 15-16 Jan pushed past Honduran and Guatemalan security forces and crossed into Guatemala. Guatemalan army 17 Jan cracked down on caravan in Chiquimula department, using sticks and tear gas and reportedly injuring at least four; Honduran govt same day exhorted Guatemalan govt to investigate incident. Guatemalan authorities 25 Jan said they had returned over 4,800 Hondurans to their country of origin. 

Amid challenges to electoral preparations ahead of votes this year, deadly attacks on community leaders persisted. Lawmakers failed to approve new electoral law in its entirety three months away from primary elections set for March 2021, and ahead of general elections scheduled for Nov 2021. National Congress VP Antonio Rivera 4 Dec said elections are likely to be held under current electoral law. National Electoral Council 7 Dec said it had found inconsistencies in 500,000 out of 4.2mn fingerprints submitted for national voter registry, heralding prospect of further disputes over electoral process and legitimacy of results. Unidentified assailants 19 Dec killed journalist Pedro Arcángel Canelas in Dulce del Culmí municipality, Olancho department (east); 26 Dec killed community leader and candidate in upcoming legislative elections Felix Vasquéz in Santiago Puringla municipality, La Paz department (south west); next day killed community leader José Adán Medina in Morazán municipality, Yoro department (north). After Eta and Iota hurricanes hit country last month, Honduran disaster agency 7 Dec estimated around 93,000 still in temporary shelters; UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs next day issued alert about health-care provision after hurricanes destroyed dozens of health centres and hospitals. Anti-riot police in Santa Fe municipality in Ocotepeque department (west) 10 Dec tried to stymie caravan of 500 migrants en route to Guatemala from San Pedro Sula city in Cortés department (north west) over alleged failure to show IDs and negative COVID-19 tests; Guatemalan authorities next day reportedly arrested 67 migrants who had managed to continue journey and cross into country. U.S. 7 Dec extended Temporary Protected Status for Honduran nationals, which allows them to live and work in U.S., until Oct 2021. U.S. Congress 22 Dec passed bill requiring upcoming U.S. President Biden to submit to Congress list of corrupt officials in Northern Triangle, and curtailing military funding for Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala.

Response to hurricanes consumed govt and political tensions persisted ahead of 2021 general elections. Hurricanes Eta and Iota made landfall 4 and 16 Nov respectively, causing widespread destruction. Govt’s disaster agency 16 and 22 Nov reported 92 dead and more than 4mn affected in total. Local NGO FOSDEH 19 Nov said economic losses amount to $10bn. Govt 9 Nov created secretariat of transparency, tasked with preventing mismanagement of disaster relief funding; civil society groups and National Anticorruption Council 10 Nov called move unconstitutional and argued it undermines existing anti-corruption institutions. Prosecutor’s office 10 Nov opened investigation into alleged overvaluation of aid kits for hurricane victims. Political violence and tensions continued. Ahead of general elections planned for 2021, unidentified gunmen 6 Nov killed mayoral candidate affiliated with ruling National Party, Terry Geston Martínez, in Puerto Lempira, Gracias a Dios department (east). Political disagreements continued to slow down approval of new electoral law, with 200 of 333 articles approved by Congress as of 25 Nov; second presidential term and creation of second round in presidential election among main sticking points. Govt 23-27 Nov arrested 75 members of MS-13 and 18th Street gangs and five police officers across country in U.S.-backed anti-organised crime operations.

Armed group attacks on civil society activists continued, and tensions mounted with Guatemala over migration. Armed groups continued to target human rights defenders, environmental activists and journalists following Sept uptick in murders. Notably, gunmen 13 Oct killed environmentalist Arnold Joaquín Morazán Erazo in Tocoa municipality, Colón department (north). Police 26 Oct reported 11.16 daily homicides across country for 1-25 Oct period, highest level in 2020. As part of ongoing anti-narcotic effort, security forces 8 Oct destroyed four hectares of coca plantations in San Esteban municipality, Olancho department (centre); weekly newspaper Proceso 23 Oct reported that counter-narcotic authorities had destroyed 331,500 coca plants and ten laboratories so far in 2020, mainly in Olancho and northern Colón and Yoró departments. Military police 21 Oct said 3.2 tonnes of cocaine had been seized so far in 2020. Tensions with Guatemala increased over migration. As caravan of 3,000 Hondurans 1 Oct departed for Guatemala en route to U.S., Guatemalan govt 4 Oct said 3,300 migrants were sent back to Honduras; Tegucigalpa immediately said only 1,000 migrants had returned and complained about Guatemalan govt’s allegations that Honduras was refusing to take back its citizens.

Political tensions increased ahead of 2021 general elections while social unrest remained high, particularly in capital Tegucigalpa. Congress 10 Sept failed to pass new electoral law, with some opposition groups claiming it did not address crucial issues including possible creation of second round of election. National Electoral Council 13 Sept nonetheless approved electoral calendar, including primary elections set for March 2021, generating criticism from opposition. Left-wing opposition Freedom and Refoundation Party (Libre) deputy Juan Ramón Flores 27 Sept said party will take to streets to demand approval of law.  Unrest over lack of revenues and salary arrears amid COVID-19 pandemic continued, including protests in Tegucigalpa by minibus drivers 1 Sept and teachers 7 and 25 Sept. Police 15 Sept used tear gas to disperse some 1,000 anti-govt protesters gathered in Tegucigalpa on occasion of Independence Day. Members of Garífuna indigenous community 4 Sept protested in Tela town, Atlántida department (north) to demand that govt secure release of community leaders abducted in July by armed individuals in police outfits. El Heraldo newspaper 22 Sept reported 36 massacres (defined as killings of three or more) in 2020. After report, more large-scale killings took place 25 Sept in Tambla municipality, Lempira department (west), and 26 Sept in La Ceiba municipality, Atlántida (north), leaving eight dead in total. Unidentified gunmen 27 Sept killed journalist Luis Alonzo Almendares in Comayagua city, Comayagua department (centre). Security forces 1-14 Sept destroyed eight airstrips used by drug traffickers in Gracias a Dios department (Caribbean region) and 11-13 Sept dismantled two coca plantations and two laboratories in Colón department (north). U.S. court 10 Sept delayed sentencing of President Hernández’s brother Tony Hernández – found guilty in 2019 of drug trafficking – from 16 Sept to 10 Nov. National Anti-Corruption Council 7 Sept alleged coronavirus-related corruption has cost govt $11mn; prosecutors called several high-level officials to testify in COVID-19 corruption cases, including FM Lisandro Rosales 10 Sept.

Authorities faced new allegations of corruption and mismanagement of COVID-19 response, while fight against corruption suffered setback. National Anti-Corruption Council 3 Aug charged former head of state-managed company Invest-H Marco Bográn with fraud and abuse of power following reports that Invest-H overpaid medical equipment amid COVID-19 pandemic. Prosecutors 10 Aug launched investigation into alleged govt mismanagement of COVID-19 response after 250,000 tests which had been inadequately stored were destroyed in April-May. Fight against corruption suffered major setback. Appeals Court 5 Aug dismissed embezzlement charges against 22 National Congress deputies in so-called “Pandora case” involving diversion of $12mn in public money to finance election campaigns. Faced with persistent insecurity, members of Garifuna indigenous community 10 and 18 Aug protested in Triunfo de la Cruz village, Atlántida department, demanding release of five community leaders kidnapped by armed group in July. Insecurity in prisons remained high; fellow inmates 6 Aug killed three jailed members of 18th Street gang in La Tolva (east of Tegucigalpa) maximum security prison; police 3, 14 and 21 Aug carried out inspections in three different jails, finding large volumes of cash and weapons. In ongoing operations against drug trafficking, security forces 9 Aug destroyed airstrip used by trafficker in Gracias a Dios department (Caribbean region), and 16 Aug dismantled drug production facilities in Colón department (north). Govt 11 Aug invited Organization of American States (OAS) to oversee 2021 general elections. National Election Council next day approved introduction of second round in presidential election; reform now requires Congress approval.

Govt continued to face accusations of using COVID-19 to stay in office, while unrest remained high over food shortages and living conditions. Concerns persisted that govt could call off or alter results of primary and general elections scheduled for March and Nov 2021 following delays in updating electoral register due to COVID-19 pandemic; commission in charge of register update 13 July said it will complete process on time and congressional leaders reiterated primary elections planned for March 2021 will go ahead. Liberty and Refoundation opposition party leader Xiomara Castro 21 July said she would not participate in primary elections, alleging they would be filled with irregularities. Insecurity persisted despite govt’s 30 June announcement that police had arrested senior figures of criminal group Barrio 18 and MS-13 gang senior leader known as “The Priest”. Notably, unidentified attackers 1 July killed two journalists in La Ceiba city, ‎Atlántida department (north); armed men in police outfit 18 July kidnapped 5 indigenous Garifuna leaders in Tela town, also Atlántida; and ambush by unidentified assailants 19 July killed nine civilians in rural area in Yoro department (north). Turmoil in prisons continued with mutiny in Támara maximum security prison leaving penitentiary official wounded 20 July; authorities 22 and 24 July raided prison, seizing several weapons and discovering escape tunnel.  Amid reports COVID-19 pandemic had stretched health care facilities to their limits, President Hernández 2 July left hospital having been admitted 17 June after testing positive; unrest over food shortages and deteriorating livelihoods continued nationwide, including protests by merchants in Danlí (El Paraíso department in south) 10 July, university union members in various cities 13 July, and taxi drivers in capital Tegucigalpa 14 July; govt late July extended nationwide curfew into Aug.

Govt faced accusations of using COVID-19 crisis to stay in power, while controversial new penal code came into force. Amid persistent opposition concerns that govt will use COVID-19 pandemic to call off general elections scheduled for 2021 and remain in power, head of National Electoral Council 9 June said body will not convene primary elections as planned in Sept due to delay in updating electoral register amid pandemic. President Hernández same day reiterated he will not run for re-election in 2021 and ruling National Party will hold primaries. Controversial penal code came into law 25 June despite objection from opposition, civil society and private sector who say code poses threat to freedom of expression and protects corrupt politicians and traffickers. Unrest and protests over food shortages and deteriorating livelihoods amid COVID-19 crisis continued nationwide, including protests in capital Tegucigalpa by govt workers 4 June and taxi and bus drivers 15 June. Concerns grew over COVID-19 spread in prisons with outbreaks reported at El Porvenir prison (north) and Támara prison (centre). Human rights organisations 15 June called for “humanitarian intervention” in Támara prison after authorities reported five inmates died of virus 8-14 June. Hernández was hospitalised 17 June after testing positive for COVID-19. Sentencing of Hernández’s brother, found guilty of drug smuggling by U.S. court in Oct 2019, delayed to 16 Sept.

Govt faced accusations of using COVID-19 crisis to embezzle funds and remain in power, while outrage over new penal code forced authorities to delay implementation. Amid accusations of govt corruption in handling COVID-19 crisis, notably embezzlement of funds, National Anti-Corruption Council 12 May said corrupt practices, such as overpricing of ventilators, cost govt HNL20mn ($800,000) since crisis started. President of opposition Liberal Party 3 May accused govt of planning to use COVID-19 crisis to call off general elections scheduled for 2021 and remain in power by cancelling primaries; President Hernández 5 May denied allegations. Congress 9 May delayed application of new penal code, planned for 10 May, until 25 June to allow for debates with opposition, civil society and private sector, after UN Human Rights Office 7 May called for revision of code, citing threat to freedom of expression and press. Govt 24 May extended COVID-19 emergency measures until 31 May despite ongoing protests by taxi drivers and street vendors demanding to resume work. Allegations of President Hernández’s ties to organised crime re-emerged. Local media including Criterio digital newspaper 12 May revealed recorded conversation between Fabio Lobo (former president’s son, arrested in 2015 for trafficking drugs into U.S.) and Hernández’s brother (found guilty of drug smuggling by U.S. court in Oct 2019) in which they apparently referred to Hernández as “boss” behind drug-trafficking operations. NGO Expediente Público 6 May accused Congress President Mauricio Olivia of having ties to Los Cachiros criminal group. U.S. continued to deport migrants to Honduras despite COVID-19 pandemic with 3,339 reportedly deported 1 April-10 May.

Amid protests over food shortages, govt faced allegations of corruption in management of COVID-19 crisis. Govt late March and early April took steps to alleviate economic hardship caused by COVID-19, and President Hernández 12 April declared production of food national priority, but measures failed to prevent protests over lack of food, particularly in capital Tegucigalpa and northern department of Cortés with near-daily demonstrations and roadblocks. Reports of misuse of funds to tackle virus emerged, including 13 April allegation by businessman that govt inflated prices of protective equipment in attempt to embezzle funds. In report released 27 April, govt agency National Anticorruption Council identified $2.3mn overpricing in govt purchase of face masks. Criminal groups remained active despite reduction of extortion opportunities due to COVID-19 restrictions; in Tegucigalpa, police 7 April arrested two Barrio 18 members who had reportedly stolen ambulance to smuggle drugs into capital and 10 April arrested two MS-13 members allegedly trafficking narcotics disguised as engineers. Sentencing of President Hernández’s brother, found guilty in U.S. of drug smuggling in Oct, was delayed until 29 June; U.S. prosecutors 30 April charged former national police chief Juan Carlos Bonilla Valladares with trafficking drugs into U.S. and related weapons offenses, claiming Bonilla worked on behalf of president Hernández and his brother. U.S. and Mexico continued to deport migrants to Honduras despite COVID-19 pandemic; U.S. Sec State Pompeo 13 April said migratory flow from Central America dropped by 76% since May 2019 and announced restoral of some aid – cut in 2019 – to help country further tackle migration.

New accusations of drug trafficking emerged against individuals close to President Hernández, while insecurity persisted. U.S. prosecutors alleged drug trafficker Geovanny Daniel Fuentes Ramírez – arrested 1 March in Miami on charges of importing drugs and weapons – in 2013 met with and gave money to President Hernández, then a Congressman, to secure military protection and access to commercial port for smuggling purposes; U.S. trial of Hernández’s cousin, detained in New York, U.S., since Feb, on drug trafficking charges continued while Hernández’s brother, found guilty of drug smuggling in Oct, remained in U.S. prison awaiting sentencing, due 15 April. Insecurity persisted: following late Feb killing of vice president of Taxi Drivers Association, taxi drivers 3 March protested against threats and extortion they face; unknown assailants 12 March killed representative of ruling National Party of Honduras in San José, Atlántida department. Amid regional concern over migration, caravan of around 100 migrants departed for U.S. 9 March, while another caravan of 500 people departed 12 March; govt 10 March suspended deportation flights from Mexico amid concerns over spread of COVID-19, though bus deportations and deportations from U.S. continued. In attempt to curb spread of coronavirus, govt 16 March closed borders and later implemented nationwide curfew into April, limiting rights such as freedom of expression. Anti-riot police 24-25 March dispersed several rallies and roadblocks sparked by lack of food.

Concerns over anti-corruption mechanisms persisted while insecurity continued in prisons. Following Jan expiration of mandate of Organization of American States (OAS)-backed Mission to Support the Fight against Corruption and Impunity in Honduras (MACCIH) and attorney general’s establishment of Specialized Fiscal Unit Against Corruption Networks (UFERCO) to replace anti-corruption unit affiliated to MACCIH, director of govt agency National Anti-Corruption Council (CNA) 7 Feb denounced UFERCO as hollow institution lacking tools to combat corruption; joint CNA and NGO FOSDEH report released 6 Feb alleged country loses 65bn lempiras (around$2.5bn) per year due to corruption, amounting to 12% of GDP. Prosecutors 11 Feb arrested General Commissioner of Police and his wife on charges of money laundering. As prison insecurity persisted despite state of emergency in prisons declared in Dec following tide of killings, govt 3 Feb announced agreement with OAS to reform prison system. Some twenty MS-13 gang members 13 Feb stormed into El Progreso court building and released prominent gang leader known as “El Porky”, killing four police officers. In other violence, three political leaders from ruling National Party of Honduras allegedly close to VP Ricardo Álvarez’s faction, critical of President Hernández, were killed in Tegucigalpa and Comayagüela 30 Jan and 4 Feb. Tony Hernández – president’s brother awaiting sentencing in U.S. after being found guilty of drug trafficking in Oct – 14 Feb announced he could not continue paying lawyers, prompting court to postpone verdict initially expected 24 Feb to 15 April.

Mandate of anti-corruption body Mission to Support the Fight against Corruption and Impunity in Honduras (MACCIH) ended, prompting backlash from civil society, while state of emergency in prisons continued. Mandate of Organization of American States (OAS)-backed MACCIH expired 19 Jan following govt and OAS’s failure to reach agreement on its renewal; around 800 people protested in capital Tegucigalpa 19 Jan against cessation of body, with students, businesses, unions and opposition calling for national strike. U.S. House of Representatives 18 Jan condemned non-renewal of MACCIH, as did EU 22 Jan. Insecurity persisted: authorities reported 7.1% increase in homicides in 2019 compared to 2018, to 3,996 cases; bus drivers 13 Jan went on strike to denounce gangs’ extortion. State of emergency in prisons, declared by govt in Dec after tide of killings shook prison system, continued throughout month. Amid continued regional focus on migration, acting U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security 9 Jan visited Honduras to finalise migration agreement under which U.S. will send asylum seekers from other states in region to Honduras to apply for asylum there. Caravan of migrants – reportedly 1,000 at departure but growing to 4,000 – heading toward U.S. left Honduras 15 Jan; migrants reached Guatemala-Mexico border 19 Jan, clashed with Mexican security forces as Mexico, under pressure from U.S. govt, denied them entry (see Mexico).

A tide of killings shook the prison system, while the fate of anti-corruption body MACCIH (Mission to Support the Fight against Corruption and Impunity in Honduras) remained unclear. Lawyer of Nery Orlando López, murdered drug trafficker whose ledgers provided critical information to convict president’s brother in Oct, was shot dead 9 Dec in western Copán department by unknown assailants; another lawyer next day announced he will request political asylum in another country, due to persecution from Public Ministry and death threats on social media. Director of El Pozo jail, seen talking to Nery Orlando López shortly before he was killed, also murdered 12 Dec while driving in Choluteca. Mutiny broke out 14 Dec in maximum security jail “La Tolva” leaving at least five dead, all MS13 gang members. Hernández 17 Dec decreed state of emergency in prisons, authorising militarised National Inter-Institutional Security Force (FUSINA) to take control of prison system, and suspending National Penitentiary Institute (INP). A further two mass jail killings in Tela 20 Dec and El Porvenir 22 Dec left another 18 and 19 dead respectively. Ahead of 15 Jan expiration of mandate of anti-corruption body MACCIH, National Congress special commission presented report 10 Dec arguing that body violated constitutional rights, guarantees and principles, and did not respect national laws or international conventions; 71 National Congress deputies same day endorsed report conclusions and voted in favour of not renewing MACCIH’s mandate. Organization of American States-Honduran govt commission presented its own report 12 Dec, concluding that MACCIH agreement should be renewed and improved. Civil society, opposition parties and international community spoke out in defence of MACCIH, including newly formed Media Platform against Corruption and Impunity, Partido Innovación y Unidad (PINU) and Libertad y Refundación (Libre) parties. Honduran Congressman Oscar Nájera, close to President Hernández, was sanctioned 20 Dec by the U.S. for involvement in “significant” corruption.

Protests demanding Hernández’s resignation continued, although at lower intensity following govt’s violent response and growing fear caused by murders and kidnappings of social leaders. Ex-president Zelaya, leader of left-wing Freedom and Refoundation Party (Libre), accused govt of involvement in assault of party member who went missing 28 Oct, later found alive having been tortured and thrown into Río Grande river.  Zelaya called for protest 22 Nov in support of Evo Morales in Bolivia and in support of the Mission to Support the Fight against Corruption and Impunity in Honduras (MACCIH); hundreds marched in capital Tegucigalpa. Congress 4 Nov approved six-month extension before new Penal Code enters into force, following requests from civil society groups concerned that it hardens penalties for participation in social protest and will benefit former officials imprisoned for embezzlement. Foreign Ministry and Organization of American States 13 Nov established commission to evaluate MACCIH, prompting concern from body’s supporters and calls for extension of its mandate, scheduled to expire 15 Jan. U.S. 1 Nov announced extension of Temporary Protected Status for Honduras as well as Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua and other countries until Jan 2021, which provides nationals from these countries temporary permission to live and work in the U.S..

Civil unrest continued over allegations of President Hernández’s links to narco-trafficking. Around a thousand anti-govt protesters, summoned by opposition figures Salvador Nasralla and centre-left Liberal party president Luis Zelaya, marched in capital Tegucigalpa 9 Oct demanding Hernández’s resignation; police attacked demonstrators forcing them to disperse; earlier same day, over 6,000 supporters of ruling National Party marched in support of Hernández. Anti-govt groups spurred by allegations of Hernández’s links to drug trafficking; U.S. court 18 Oct found President’s brother guilty on four charges, including drug trafficking, with prosecutors alleging President Hernández protected him. Detained drug trafficker Nery Orlando López Sanabria – whose ledger, confiscated during June 2018 arrest, was used as evidence in Tony Hernández’s trial – murdered in maximum security prison “El Pozo” 26 Oct. Following verdict, Manuel Zelaya of left-wing Libre party called on supporters to protest indefinitely until Hernández resigns; opposition leaders including Nasralla, Luis Zelaya and Manuel Zelaya 19 Oct formed coalition to force President from office through continuous protests. Hernández 20 Oct called for peace; 7,000 govt sympathisers marched in Tegucigalpa same day. Debate over new penal code continued with rights groups concerned it will harden penalties against protesters and ease punishments for officials guilty of embezzlement; National Anti-corruption Council 16 Oct presented citizen initiative against legislation to Congress and organised protest against it in front of parliament. Following Sept asylum agreement with U.S., Washington 16 Oct announced restoration of some aid previously cut in April, focused on security and law enforcement.

Despite progress in electoral reforms, civil unrest continued causing disruption across country. Thousands of anti-govt protesters, summoned by left-wing Libre party, marched toward centre of capital Tegucigalpa on Independence Day 15 Sept; police and protesters clashed; four reportedly injured. Protests took place 3 and 9 Sept against construction of residential complex in La Tigra forest reserve, with police using tear gas to disperse residents blocking four access roads to Tegucigalpa. Electoral reforms progressed; Congress 10 Sept appointed members of newly-created National Electoral Council, Electoral Justice Tribunal and National Registry of Persons to digitalise voter registry. Debate over new penal code continued as Supreme Court 15 Sept declared 70-75 articles of new code should be reviewed. President Hernández 25 Sept signed asylum cooperation deal with U.S., similar to those of El Salvador and Guatemala, allowing U.S. to deport to Honduras migrants who had passed through country on way to U.S..

Civil unrest continued during month amid allegations that President Hernández used narco-trafficking proceeds in 2013 presidential campaign. U.S. Federal Court document 2 Aug cited Hernández as part of group of high-level officials who used illicit money to consolidate political power, accusing Hernández of receiving $1.5mn for campaign financing for 2013 presidential election from individuals involved in drug trafficking; president’s office 3 Aug denied accusations. Allegations spurred public anger; university students 5 Aug used rocks and burning tyres to establish roadblock on Supaya Boulevard in capital Tegucigalpa, demanding Hernández’s resignation and clashing with anti-riot police. Protests grew in Tegucigalpa 6 Aug and 7 Aug spread to other cities. Police officers 6 Aug fired tear gas into bus filled with university students in San Pedro Sula, leaving several injured. In continued electoral reform efforts, Congress 15 Aug approved final bill outlining process for election of members of newly-created National Electoral Council to oversee electoral cycles and Electoral Justice Tribunal to settle election-related disputes; 22 Aug appointed members of special commission in charge of process. Amid regional focus on migration and after late July U.S.-Guatemala “Safe Third Country” agreement requiring migrants who pass through Guatemala to first seek asylum there instead of U.S., acting U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kevin McAleenan 1 Aug stated U.S. will pursue similar agreement with Honduras. Hernández 26 Aug travelled to Washington to discuss migration issues, among other matters.

Civil unrest continued while rights groups expressed concerns about new penal code. Students and security forces 15 July clashed at Honduran Technical Institute in capital Tegucigalpa; police deployed to several schools in city where protests disrupted teaching. Congress 11 July announced continuation of consultations over new penal code, due to come into effect in Nov after revisions to previous versions due to criticism over several articles supposedly limiting free speech and offering leniency for corruption and drug trafficking; 30 civil society organisations 17 July called for code to be abandoned and said they would develop alternative. In continued electoral reform efforts, Organization of American States advisers 11 July delivered final recommendations on reform process including on functioning of newly-created National Electoral Council to oversee electoral cycles and Electoral Justice Tribunal to settle election-related disputes; Congressional caucuses 15 July committed to finalising laws on new bodies by mid-Aug.

Political tensions worsened as protests against govt’s planned reforms continued, while clashes between anti-govt demonstrators and police led to nationwide deployment of army. Despite President Hernández 2 June revoking planned reforms to health and education systems that could potentially lead to privatisation and mass dismissals, political tensions remained high and protesters demanded Hernández’s resignation; Hernández 10 June said govt would not tolerate protesters’ vandalism while defence secretary reaffirmed army’s willingness to support police in maintaining order. Truck and taxi drivers 17 June and members of police special forces unit 18 June began strikes for better pay and conditions but called them off 20 June after reaching agreements with government. Widespread anti-govt demonstrations continued, including severe unrest in Tegucigalpa 19 June in which police accused of killing two people. Hernández 20 June announced indefinite deployment of army nationwide to maintain order. Same day, military police reportedly shot dead 17-year-old protester in La Paz department. In Tegucigalpa, students and security forces 24 June clashed, with media reporting that after military police fired tear gas on protesters, who responded by throwing stones, police opened fire and wounded at least five students; military policeman also injured in clash 26 June.

Political tensions flared as protesters led demonstrations and strikes throughout month against govt’s planned reforms. Following April unrest in response to reforms to health and education systems that could potentially lead to mass dismissals, protests continued 1 May; police and protesters clashed, leaving dozens injured. Govt 6 May announced it would not suspend ten executive decrees as health and education unions demanded, called instead for dialogue; protests and clashes continued including protesters setting alight entrance to U.S. embassy in Tegucigalpa 31 May. Govt 15 May renewed Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) judges’ mandate; opposition Libre party criticised move as TSE accused of electoral fraud in 2017 and two electoral bodies, created as part of UN-led dialogue in 2018 to oversee electoral cycles and settle election related disputes, remained non-operational; Libre members 21 May protested govt decisions on mandate as well as decrees on health and education in Congress, prompting scuffles between members of Congress. Police reported 305 murders 1-26 May, compared to 241 same period in 2018. Amid continued regional focus on migration, U.S. border patrol early May revealed it had detained since Oct 2018 133,258 Honduran nationals who had attempted to enter U.S.

Political tensions continued amid protests over corruption allegations and unpopular reform program. Some 5,000 demonstrators participated in anti-govt protests in capital Tegucigalpa 5 April calling for President Hernández’s resignation over allegations of graft and links to drug trafficking. Protesters 26 and 29 April staged further rallies in response to govt approval of reforms to health and education systems that may lead to mass dismissals; 29 April burnt three buildings in centre of Tegucigalpa; Congress next day suspended reforms and invited protest leaders to dialogue. Govt continued moves to bolster public security and increase capacity of Honduran Military Police. At least 30,000 Hondurans reportedly deported from U.S. and Mexico since beginning of year, with ambassador to Mexico predicting total deportations could reach up to 80,000 in 2019.

In attempt to bolster public security, president’s chief of staff 7 March announced govt preparing bill to increase size of military police and seeking ways to strengthen National Police and National Anti-Gang Force. Following Dec agreements resulting from UN-led dialogue, and after president of Congress put forward motion in support of new National Electoral Council which would be responsible for all administrative, technical and logistical aspects of elections with aim of increasing transparency, Congress received draft bill from Supreme Electoral Tribunal 27 Feb. Experts from Organization of American States (OAS) 25 March arrived in country to provide technical support on reforms. Regional focus on migration continued with Northern Triangle and U.S. govts 27 March signing agreement to deter international crime and curb irregular migration; however U.S. State Department 30 March announced end of aid to region, day after President Trump claimed Northern Triangle countries had “set up” migrant caravans.

Following Dec agreements resulting from UN-led dialogue, parties began to discuss and approve reforms. Member of Congress 12 Feb proposed Electoral Procedural law to regulate operations of Electoral Supreme Court. Liberal Party 24 Jan proposed bill that would use plebiscites to decide on issues such as presidential re-election and electoral second round if parties cannot reach agreement. Political tensions remained high following late-Jan protests demanding President Hernández’s resignation; NGO 19 Feb reported 171 protesters detained in aftermath of Hernández’s election in 2017 have been prosecuted so far. Hernández 12 Feb claimed govt is liberating Honduras from gangs, with no homicides reported in 177 out of 298 municipalities in 2019. However, Church 7 Feb expressed concern over rise of femicides with some 40 murders of women 1 Jan-7 Feb; human rights commissioner 15 Feb stated 90% of cases go unpunished. Hondurans continued to set off in “caravans” attempting to reach U.S. border, with 200 people leaving San Pedro Sula (north) 8 Feb; officials 7 Feb reported 4,610 Hondurans deported from Mexico and U.S. in Jan.

Following end of UN-led National Dialogue process in Dec, Congress 11 Jan began debates on electoral reform and 25 Jan approved measures including creation and composition of Electoral Supreme Court; reformation of National Registry and establishment of second round for future elections. Political tensions high around 26 Jan anniversary of President Hernández’s swearing-in ceremony; new opposition platform Citizen Action Against Dictatorships 20-26 Jan held protests in fourteen departments to demand Hernández’s resignation, and in several cases were met by police repression. Eight mass killings 1-14 Jan left some 30 people dead across country, including in capital Tegucigalpa (centre) and Cortés and Yoro departments (north). Migrant “caravans” continued to set off on attempts to reach U.S. border, despite new U.S. legislation requiring asylum seekers wait in Mexico during processing of their applications; in apparent move to appease U.S., govt 2 Jan agreed to move its embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

UN-led National Dialogue process resumed 11 Dec, with ruling-National Party, opposition Liberal Party and representatives of former presidential candidate Salvador Nasralla reaching over 70 agreements regarding human rights, electoral reforms and accountability, among others; no consensus on amnesty for detainees from 2017 post-election protests or on referendum to approve presidential re-election. Political tension remained high following descent into violence of 27 Nov anti-govt march in capital as police fired tear gas to disperse opposition supporters marching on anniversary of 2017 election; masked protesters 6 Dec burned several buses in Tegucigalpa. Thousands of mostly Honduran migrants continued to wait at U.S-Mexico border to request asylum in U.S.; two Honduran teenagers reportedly murdered in Tijuana, Mexico 15 Dec. U.S. and Mexico 19 Dec announced $5.8bn in U.S. aid for Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador and $4.8bn for Mexico to stem illegal migration. Honduras, Mexico, Guatemala and El Salvador 1 Dec signed agreement for major development plan for Central America and southern Mexico aimed at slowing migration.Seven men found guilty 7 Dec of murdering environmentalist Berta Cáceres in 2016, in trial severely criticised by many human rights groups for lack of due process. U.S. President Trump 28 Dec threatened to cut “all aid” to El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras unless they do more to stop migration.

UN-backed political dialogue between govt and opposition entered new phase as working groups resumed 26 Nov, focused on human rights, electoral process, constitutional reform and institutional strengthening; UN coordinator 17 Nov gave positive assessment of last two months of dialogue saying some agreements had been made on electoral reform and human rights. Following migrant “caravan” headed to U.S. in Oct, govt 19 Nov announced 7,000 migrants had returned voluntarily since 23 Oct launch of its $25mn plan to return migrants safely and provide temporary employment (although unclear how many were part of “caravan”).  Despite overall reduction in homicide rate, spate of killings 18 Nov saw fifteen murders in cities La Ceiba and El Progreso (north). Month saw important developments in fight against corruption as Organization of American States (OAS)-backed Mission against Corruption and Impunity in Honduras (MACCIH) and Attorney General (AG) 5 Nov charged officials in former President Lobo’s administration with fraud and embezzlement; AG 8 Nov launched nationwide operation against corruption in local govt and health institutions, leading to 377 arrests. Former lawmaker ‘Tony’ Hernández, brother of President Hernández, was arrested in Miami airport 23 Nov accused of drug-trafficking.

Mass “migrant caravan” attempting to reach U.S. created country’s worst crisis since disputed Nov 2017 elections, while late Sept collapse of UN-led talks between President Hernández’s govt and opposition on post-Nov 2017 electoral crisis, and increasing tensions in congress, reduced potential space to resolve crisis. Caravan began as call on social media for low-income Hondurans to travel to U.S. in large groups to avoid dangers of migrant route, prompting some 200 people to depart from city San Pedro Sula (west) 12 Oct; group grew to several thousands as it passed through poor and crime-affected villages. After crossing Guatemala, 5,000-strong group, estimated by NGOs to be 35% children, reached Mexican border 19 Oct, where they clashed with Mexican security forces. 26-year old Honduran migrant was killed 28 Oct by Mexican police. In response, and with more groups expected to join “caravan” movement from neighbouring countries like El Salvador (where new group of 150 people departed 29 Oct), U.S. threatened to cut all bilateral aid to Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador, while opposition parties called for Hernández’s resignation and early elections. Response to crisis impeded by ongoing political deadlock and tensions in congress between Liberal Party and ruling National Party following accusations in Sept that latter had hired gang members during elections.

UN-backed political dialogue between govt and opposition which began 28 Aug continued but made little progress; main opposition group left-wing Libre party remained absent while President Hernández govt maintained scepticism toward talks, which cover four themes: events of 2017 election, human rights, constitutional reforms/rule of law, and electoral reforms. Political tension remained high; police and protesters clashed during anti-govt march in capital Tegucigalpa (centre) 15 Sept. Liberal Party left dialogue table 26 Sept citing govt’s lack of commitment to democratic reforms. As part of “Pandora Case” investigation into diversion of $11.7mn of public funds to finance election campaigns, attorney general (AG) late Aug ordered seizure of assets of members of ruling National Party and centre-left Liberal party and issued search warrants for parties’ headquarters. In new security operations, recently-created Anti-Maras Unit arrested at least 50 alleged gang leaders 3 and 8 Sept. Autonomous University of Honduras 9 Sept reported 108 people killed in 33 massacres Jan-Aug 2018, predominately in Francisco Morazán, Cortés and Olancho departments in centre and north west, representing increase in number of mass killings although homicide rate has fallen.

UN-backed political dialogue between govt and opposition, led by four mediators from region, began 28 Aug, aimed at finding solution to post-electoral crisis following Nov 2017 general election. Party representatives to discuss four main issues: presidential re-election, human rights, constitutional reform, and electoral reform. Following two-month delay, President Hernández 13 Aug finally issued executive order stating govt’s commitment to participate in dialogue. Talks remained tense with lack of confidence in process on all sides; main opposition group left-wing Libre party still absent. Inter-American Commission on Human Rights 2 Aug completed trip investigating human rights situation and researching 2017 post-election violence.

With UN-backed dialogue between govt and opposition groups stalled, President Hernández 11 July questioned lack of results. UN office in capital Tegucigalpa 16 July approved four Latin American mediators to lead thematic working groups on human rights, electoral process, constitutional reform and institutional strengthening; main opposition group Libre remained absent from dialogue. Judge 21 July ordered arrest of 38 lawmakers, officials and individuals for allegedly diverting over $11.7mn of public funds to finance 2013 election campaign. Govt 3 July announced U.S. and Mexico had deported 36,500 Hondurans in first six months of 2018, 55.6% increase on previous year. FM 10-11 July attended Northern Triangle of Central America and Mexico (Tricamex) meeting to address migration crisis and regional security (see Guatemala).

Dialogue to promote political consensus between ruling National Party and opposition saw continued disagreement over composition of commission to investigate human rights abuses during late 2017 post-electoral crisis. Amnesty International 13 June published report documenting security forces’ “excessive force” during 2017 demonstrations. Organization of American States (OAS) 18 June announced appointment of Luiz Antonio Guimarães Marrey as chief for Mission against Corruption and Impunity in Honduras (MACCIH); govt had rejected Marrey but bowed under reported U.S. pressure. Following demands from President Hernández’s allies in National Congress to declare MACCIH unconstitutional, Supreme Court sentence 30 May limited the anti-corruption mission’s investigative capacities. UN special rapporteur on independence of judges and lawyers 18 June denounced selection process of Honduras’s next attorney general (AG) as “extremely concerning” amid worries over absence of independent observers and civil society from process; legislators 29 June re-elected AG Óscar Chinchilla for second term. MACCIH filed new corruption cases: 13 June accused 38 politicians and citizens of diverting $11.7mn of govt funds to political parties, including Hernández’s 2013 presidential campaign.

Ruling National Party, Liberal Party and former opposition alliance presidential candidate Salvador Nasralla 14 May joined UN-backed dialogue to continue discussing human rights and legal reforms that would prevent recurrence of political crisis similar to late 2017 post-election crisis. Earlier, Nasralla 11 May resigned from main opposition group Opposition Alliance against Dictatorship, which did not attend meeting, raising doubts over prospect of fruitful dialogue. National Party continued to push for conservative social agenda and militarised security policy during month, including discussions in Congress of mandatory Bible readings in schools and compulsory military service as “violence prevention” measures. UN special rapporteur on situation of human rights defenders, Michael Frost, following mid-May visit highlighted setbacks in anti-corruption campaign and lack of protection for human rights defenders. Govt rejected Organization of American States (OAS)’s April appointment of Luiz Antonio Guimarães Marrey as chief for Mission against Corruption and Impunity in Honduras (MACCIH), requested second option. Rose Elena de Lobo, wife of former president, acquitted on embezzlement charges in another perceived setback for MACCIH. U.S. govt 4 May announced termination of Temporary Protected Status for around 57,000 Hondurans; deportations, up 25% in 2018 compared to 2017, likely to increase further.

UN-backed dialogue to promote political consensus following late 2017 electoral crisis stalled over possible decree that would make final negotiation document a binding agreement; President of National Congress Mauricio Oliva 5 April said “it would be illegal” to create such a decree. Former opposition candidate Salvador Nasralla 10 April announced withdrawal from talks, saying govt had “no real political will for solving the electoral crisis created by the fraud”; 15 April reaffirmed his commitment to challenge Nov 2017 election results. Official data released 3 April showed homicide rate continuing to fall, with 16% fewer murders Jan-March 2018 than same period 2017. President Hernández 16 April announced creation of Transnational Anti-Mara Unit to strengthen state response to gang violence, consisting of agencies from Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico and U.S. Operation Dragon IV, led by attorney general’s office, 17 April arrested 284 people with alleged links to organised crime and involvement in corruption, extortion and trafficking. Organization of American States (OAS) Sec Gen Luis Almagro 13 April announced appointment of Luiz Antonio Guimarães Marrey as chief of support for Mission against Corruption and Impunity in Honduras (MACCIH); appointment not well received by govt, confirming growing tensions between OAS, Hernández and MACCIH. U.S. President Trump 3 April threatened to cut aid if govt did not stem migration to U.S..

UN-backed dialogue to promote cross-party consensus following late 2017 electoral crisis began to take shape. Ruling National Party and opposition group’s Liberal Party and Alliance against Dictatorship 14-18 March agreed on appointment of single mediator, protocol to prevent violence in political marches, commission to investigate human rights abuses during post-electoral violence, and decree to confer legal validity on final agreement; sides did not address key issues regarding reforms in electoral and accountability institutions. UN human rights office 13 March released report on human rights abuses during post-election period accusing security forces of “excessive force, including lethal force” leading to “killing and wounding of protesters”; registered at least 23 people killed during protests. EU Election Observation Mission 5 March presented its final report, including technical recommendations regarding vote count, invited all parties to take part in further political dialogue. Group of lawmakers 20 March presented appeal to Supreme Court alleging presence of Support Mission against Corruption and Impunity in Honduras (MACCIH) violates constitution; court admitted appeal. Alleged instigator of 2016 murder of environmental activist Berta Cáceres arrested 2 March.

UN Secretary-General appointed three experts to conduct exploratory mission 6-9 Feb to evaluate conditions for dialogue between govt and opposition, following request from President Hernández to UN and Organization of American States (OAS). OAS tried to launch similar effort, but mission leader, former Guatemala President Álvaro Colom, was arrested 13 Feb. UN envoys concluded there were no conditions for dialogue in a 22 Feb report, invited main political forces to establish consensus over goals of any future dialogue mission. Opposition party Alianza Contra la Dictadura 11 Feb declared “total insurrection” and notified creation of 10,000 “commandos”, allegedly including armed cells. Hernández 15 Feb announced plan to revise criminal legislation and approve harsher sentences for gang members, amid rise in violence, with nine mass murders in 2018 killing over two dozen people. OAS-backed Support Mission against Corruption and Impunity in Honduras (MACCIH), which joined widespread condemnation of “immunity pact” passed by Congress in Jan shielding lawmakers from last three administrations from embezzlement charges, 5 Feb announced that 140 lawmakers and 30 NGOs are involved in embezzlement cases. In further setback in fight against corruption, MACCIH’s head Juan Jiménez Mayor resigned 15 Feb, alleging lack of support from OAS Secretary General Luis Almagro.

Opposition continued to stage peaceful demonstrations, roadblocks and violent protests ahead of 27 Jan swearing-in ceremony for President Hernández, victor in contentious elections 27 Nov. Opposition leader Salvador Nasralla 2 Jan announced “month of protests”; 12 Jan rally in capital Tegucigalpa was particularly violent, with clashes between protesters and security forces reportedly leaving some 200 people injured; UN human rights chief criticised indiscriminate use of tear gas by security forces, while other human rights groups denounced excessive use of force, torture and mistreatment of detainees. NGO Casa Alianza 9 Jan reported post-election violence had killed 34, wounded 200 and led to 80 arrests. Hernández 14 Jan renewed his invitation to dialogue with opposition, which reportedly accepted offer 16 Jan on condition that an international mediator be present. Hernández sworn in for second term 27 Jan amid clashes between protesters and security forces outside Tegucigalpa national stadium, where ceremony took place. Organization of American States (OAS) anti-impunity commission in Honduras MACCIH threatened to leave the country after Honduras Congress 17 Jan passed new law that would impede investigations into misuse of public funds and limited powers of attorney general’s office to investigate corruption cases. Judge 24 Jan applied new legislation to release five lawmakers accused of corruption. Head of MACCIH Juan Jiménez Mayor 25 Jan denounced that the law would block investigations into 60 legislators, including President of Congress Mauricio Oliva. Authorities 2 Jan announced 26% reduction in homicide rate in 2017 compared to previous year, amounting to 3,791 people murdered, equivalent to 42.8 per 100,000 inhabitants, fourth highest in Latin America and Caribbean (after Venezuela, El Salvador and Jamaica).

Political crisis following highly contentious 26 Nov general elections continued, with further deadly clashes between opposition supporters and police, and spike in criminal violence. Roadblocks, pot-banging protests, and attacks on businesses across country continued intermittently throughout Dec. Amnesty International 8 Dec reported at least fourteen killed in post-electoral repression; later reports ranged from at least seventeen killed to at least 30. Human rights experts from the UN and the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights condemned the killing of at least twelve in addition to scores injured and the detention of hundreds, including in military facilities, where some were reportedly subjected to torture and other forms of ill-treatment. Govt 1 Dec declared state of emergency and curfew, suspended it 6 Dec. Police declared two-day strike 4-5 Dec that ended after agreement with govt on wages. Electoral Supreme Court 17 Dec declared final results with incumbent President Hernández winner, prompting escalation in violent incidents. Opposition refused to accept result, but 20 Dec accepted invitation to talks as it tries to negotiate greater presence in key state institutions. Both EU and Organization of American States (OAS) electoral observation missions recorded abuses during electoral process; EU electoral mission 18 Dec declared allegations of fraud during vote count had no basis in fact; OAS 17 Dec recommended election be held again, contrary to position of U.S., which 22 Dec recognised Hernández victory. Anti-corruption unit in attorney general’s office and OAS-backed Mission Against Corruption and Impunity in Honduras (MACCIH) 12 Dec announced five lawmakers accused of embezzlement. Security Ministry 10 Dec confirmed fall in homicides Jan-Nov 2017 by 27% compared to same period in 2016.

Left-wing opposition alliance candidate and TV personality Salvador Nasralla 29 Nov refused to accept sharply contested results from 26 Nov general elections, amid allegations of fraud and massive protests from opposition supporters in several parts of country after Electoral Supreme Court decided to postpone final vote count until 1 Dec. At least one person was reported killed in clashes with police, with fears protests and violence could worsen; President Hernández expected to win by minimum margin after Nasralla had initially been on course for victory. Prior to election, opposition parties 23 Nov accused govt of launching “campaign of fear”, amid three alleged political killings, including National Party congressional candidate in Tegucigalpa murdered 5 Nov, and two political activists. Honduran Autonomous University 6 Nov announced 21.2% decrease in homicides in first six months of 2017, although violence against journalists continued, including late Oct killing of cameraman in Copán (west). Nasralla 14 Nov promised to revisit Hernández’s police reform process if he becomes president. International investigation team late Oct said March 2016 murder of environmental activist Berta Cáceres was product of coordinated plot with involvement by govt officials and international hydroelectric firm.

Ahead of 26 Nov general elections in which he is running for second term, President Hernández introduced two new security measures: 14 Oct closed San Pedro Sula prison following transfer of over 900 inmates to new jails with tighter security measures; 9 Oct signed milestone National Police Law and Police Career Law reform. New York Times 6 Oct published article describing how former leader of “Cachiros” drug trafficking group told U.S. authorities he paid bribes to many Honduran politicians, including Hernández during 2013 presidential campaign; Hernández’s administration 7 Oct denied accusations, 17 Oct said allegations concerned not just ruling party but “all [political] colours”. Honduras 26 Oct hosted internally displaced and refugees summit to adopt regional protection mechanisms to address humanitarian crisis in Northern Triangle countries.

As campaigning began for 26 Nov general elections, Support Mission Against Impunity in Honduras (MACCIH) requested that Jan 2017 Law on Clean Politics be respected; Electoral Supreme Court 1 Sept declared that 48 candidates have open judicial cases against them. Electoral violence watchdog NGO 30 Aug reported nine candidates killed so far in campaign; 15 Sept electoral rally in capital by left-wing opposition alliance saw violent confrontations with police. Among other violent incidents, journalist killed in Northern Cortés department 13 Sept. Women for Peace Movement reported more than 250 women murdered to date in 2017. Long-awaited Anti-Corruption Courts inside attorney general’s office started operations 11 Sept. Police same day carried out anti-gang operation against financial structures belonging to MS-13 gang, arrested several police; U.S. court 5 Sept sentenced ex-president’s son Fabio Lobo, convicted of drug trafficking, to 24 years’ jail; MACCIH same day announced it was investigating ties between former President Lobo and “Los Cachiros” cartel.

Security ministry 3 Aug reported continuing homicide drop of 23% in first months of 2017. Authorities 30 July captured former Tegucigalpa police commander wanted on money laundering charges, and on 11 Aug Honduras Barrio 18 leader “Bóxer Hiuber”. Organization of American States-backed Mission Against Impunity in Honduras (MACCIH) and civil society group National Anti-Corruption Council 14 Aug denounced lower penalties for some corruption-related charges in new penal code that National Congress seeks to approve.