Displaying items by tag: Latin America

In 1977, Argentine teacher Taty Almeida began searching for her missing son Alejandro, one of thousands who disappeared during the military dictatorship. With nowhere else to turn, she joined other mothers in Buenos Aires’ Plaza de Mayo, publicly demanding answers about their children. Over five decades, the Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo have become a powerful symbol of resistance, seeking truth and justice for up to 30,000 victims. Today, their mission continues despite political challenges, reduced government support, and concerns about weakening accountability under president Javier Milei. Meanwhile, other organisations have helped children taken from detained parents to discover their own identity, and younger generations are determined to continue the work. Though many original members are elderly, their persistence reflects enduring hope that truth will prevail and the missing will be found.

On 22 March, World Water Day, thousands of people marched in Santiago and many other cities across Chile, protesting the rollback of environmental protections by newly-elected president José Antonio Kast. His administration quickly halted 43 regulations introduced under former president Gabriel Boric, including measures safeguarding endangered species, creating national parks, regulating emissions, and addressing pollution. Protesters, organised by environmental groups, warned that these changes could deepen inequality, noting that around 1.4 million Chileans still lack access to safe drinking water. Critics argue the policy shift prioritises economic deregulation over environmental care, raising concerns about long-term ecological damage and public health. The demonstrations reflect growing unease about the country’s direction and the balance between development and stewardship of natural resources. The new president has also taken speedy action to start building a barrier between Chile and its northern neighbour Peru: see

Ecuador and the USA have begun joint operations aimed at disrupting drug trafficking networks, according to an announcement from the US Southern Command. The command, which oversees US defence cooperation across much of Latin America and the Caribbean, said the activity is part of efforts to combat illicit drug flows in the region. Ecuador’s defence ministry confirmed the cooperation, describing it as an ‘offensive’ operation but noting that specific details remain classified. The announcement follows comments from president Daniel Noboa, who said the country would work with the USA and other allies in a new phase of action against organised crime, including narcotics trafficking and illegal mining. Ecuador has faced growing challenges from criminal groups linked to international cartels in recent years. The joint initiative reflects wider regional efforts to counter powerful trafficking networks that continue to influence violence, corruption and instability across several countries in the region.

The government has deployed thousands of troops after deadly unrest followed the death of cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as El Mencho. Around 9,500 soldiers have been sent to western states, including 2,500 reinforcements to Jalisco, where he was captured. The Jalisco New Generation Cartel, long regarded as one of Mexico’s most powerful criminal organisations, responded with coordinated attacks. Roads were blocked with burning vehicles, spikes and debris, while banks and businesses were set alight. Clashes between cartel members and the National Guard left dozens dead, including security personnel and alleged gang members. El Mencho was seriously wounded on 22 February during a firefight with special forces and died while being transported to Mexico City. President Claudia Sheinbaum praised the operation and pledged to restore peace. Authorities say order is gradually returning, though tensions remain high in affected communities. The level of violence has been made worse by warfare between and even within different cartels: see

The two key ports at either end of the Panama Canal have been taken over by the Panamanian government. This follows a supreme court ruling last month that the renewed 25-year concession given to Hong Kong conglomerate CK Hutchison to operate the ports was ‘unconstitutional’. The authorities have entered the terminals at Balboa and Cristobal and assumed administrative and operational control. A government decree authorised the Panama Maritime Authority to do this ‘for reasons of urgent social interest’. Beijing described the ruling as ‘absurd’ and ‘shameful’, while warning that the Latin American country would pay ‘heavy prices both politically and economically’; in response, president Jose Raul Mulino defended Panama’s judicial independence and strongly rejected China’s threats. The takeover marks a significant development in the strategic and political debate surrounding one of the world’s most vital shipping routes.

There is continuing political instability in Peru after congress removed interim president José Jerí only four months after he was appointed. Secret meetings with businessmen and allegations of influence-peddling triggered public outrage and a parliamentary vote of censure. His departure makes him the latest in a series of leaders forced from office in recent years, leaving citizens weary and distrustful of institutions; they long for transparent leadership which addresses corruption, crime, and social unrest. The frequent changes of government have disrupted long-term planning and weakened confidence in justice and security. The situation highlights how fragile governance affects everyday life, especially for the poor who depend most on stability. Congress will soon name a new interim president, who will serve only until a new president is chosen by the people in a general election in April.

The president of Venezuela’s national assembly, Jorge Rodríguez, has said no presidential election will take place soon, stressing that the government’s priority is national stability. Following the controversial 2024 vote and the abduction of president Nicolás Maduro by the USA, vice president Delcy Rodríguez is now acting president. Authorities say they must rebuild institutions and reach agreement with opposition groups before setting an electoral timetable. A proposed amnesty law aims to release political prisoners and encourage reconciliation, though critics fear repression may continue in other forms. The re-arrest and house arrest of opposition figure Juan Pablo Guanipa has intensified concerns about civil liberties, while opposition leaders question whether genuine political participation will be allowed. The situation reflects a nation seeking normalcy amid deep division, uncertainty, and competing claims of legitimacy, highlighting the fragile path toward democratic stability and lasting reconciliation.

Wildfires are tearing through Argentina’s Patagonia region, burning vast areas of native forest and threatening irreplaceable ecosystems. More than 450 square kilometres have already been destroyed, including parts of a national park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site home to ancient alerce trees which can live for thousands of years. Thousands of residents have been evacuated as firefighters battle intense winds, high temperatures and difficult terrain. Fire crews report shortages of trained staff, aircraft and basic equipment, leaving them dangerously overstretched. Environmental groups warn that climate change is worsening fire conditions, making such blazes more frequent and severe. The crisis has intensified criticism of president Javier Milei’s aggressive austerity policies. His ‘chainsaw’ spending cuts this year have slashed the national fire management service’s budget by 71 percent. Milei, who has called climate change a ‘socialist lie’ and is considering withdrawing from the Paris Agreement, faces mounting pressure as the fires have now destroyed an area more than twice the size of Buenos Aires.

More than a hundred people held as political prisoners in Venezuela have been freed, according to the human rights group Foro Penal (FP). Among them were FP lawyer Kennedy Tejeda and communications student Juan Francisco Alvarado. Tejeda, a lawyer and human rights defender, had disappeared after visiting detainees in Carabobo state on 2 August 2024 to provide legal assistance, and had since been held in Tocorón prison. While welcoming his return to his family, FP also urged the government to publish official release lists. Acting president Delcy Rodríguez promised to release prisoners detained under Nicolás Maduro following his refusal to concede the 2024 presidential election. She said this marked the beginning of a ‘new political moment’ which allowed greater political and ideological diversity. According to FP, there were 777 political prisoners in Venezuelan jails as of 19 January.

A wave of coordinated gang violence which left ten police officers dead has prompted the government of Guatemala to declare a thirty-day state of emergency. The attacks began with riots at three prisons, where members of the Barrio 18 gang took guards hostage, and quickly spread to targeted killings of police in and around Guatemala City. Violence escalated after authorities regained control of a prison holding the gang’s leader, Aldo ‘El Lobo’ Duppie. In response, emergency measures now allow expanded police powers, including arrests without warrants for suspected gang members and restrictions on movement and demonstrations. The nation has mourned fallen officers amid heightened security and widespread fear. The unrest highlights ongoing struggles with organised crime, prison control, and public safety, as gangs continue to exert influence both inside prisons and on the streets.