Although the relation between Guatemala and the United States is complex, I would suggest considering at least these five events to better understand its political dynamic. It was a year of strains in the human rights aspect, but also of broad geopolitical coincidences. Despite some low points, the year ends with the governments working with each other better than anticipated. However, there is still a lot of room for improvement, and some diplomatic asks that have not been publicly addressed.
1. The Reelection of the Attorney General Porras
On May 16th, Consuelo Porras was designated by President Alejandro Giammattei for a new four year term as Attorney General, becoming the first AG to be reelected in recent history.
Porras was designated to the Section 353 Undemocratic and Corrupt Actors List by Secretary of State Anthony Blinken on September 20th, 2021. It seemed that the US would have preferred President Giammattei had selected some else. Nonetheless, Porras has set an impressive pace for materializing extradition requests of Guatemalan suspects to the United States.
2. High Profile Prosecutors and Judges Dismissed, Seek Asylum
In March, judge Ericka Aifán quit under pressure, after presiding over high profile cases. In late July, prosecutor Francisco Sandoval, who had led the AG's Anti-Corruption Unit, was dismissed. Both fled to the United States, to avoid different charges brought against actions during their tenure. The US expressed support for these former justice sector officials, and others who also fled. The US also expressed concern for the cases against journalist Jose Ruben Zamora and prosecutor Virginia Laparra.
3. President Giammattei Supports Ukraine
In late July, President Giammattei became the first Latin American president to publicly side with Ukraine. President Giammattei called Ukrainian President Zelensky to express his support and then traveled to Ukraine. These actions were well received by the United States and marked a turning point in the bilateral relation.
4. US Blacklists Continued
The US continued blacklisting public officials and even private sector barons, but at a reduced pace. Also of note, Guatemala's lists were mostly made up of former high ranking officials, unlike countries like El Salvador or Nicaragua. However, at the end of December, the United States requested the extradition of an active member of Congress to face drug trafficking charges, for the first time in recent history.
5. Remittances and Migration on the Rise
Remittances rose an estimated 18% in 2022 from the previous year. The flow of migrants from Guatemala to the US continued, even though it was no longer in massive caravans.
Also on the rise, the Venezuelans and other Central Americans who ask for money in the streets of Guatemala to continue their journey to the US.Five Events to Understand US-Guatemala Relation in 2022
Although the relation between Guatemala and the United States is complex, I would suggest considering at least these five events to better understand its political dynamic. It was a year of strains in the human rights aspect, but also of broad geopolitical coincidences. Despite some low points, the year ends with the governments working with each other better than anticipated. However, there is still a lot of room for improvement, and some diplomatic asks that have not been publicly addressed.
1. The Reelection of the Attorney General Porras
On May 16th, Consuelo Porras was designated by President Alejandro Giammattei for a new four year term as Attorney General, becoming the first AG to be reelected in recent history.
Porras was designated to the Section 353 Undemocratic and Corrupt Actors List by Secretary of State Anthony Blinken on September 20th, 2021. It seemed that the US would have preferred President Giammattei had selected some else. Nonetheless, Porras has set an impressive pace for materializing extradition requests of Guatemalan suspects to the United States.
2. High Profile Prosecutors and Judges Dismissed, Seek Asylum
In March, judge Ericka Aifán quit under pressure, after presiding over high profile cases. In late July, prosecutor Francisco Sandoval, who had led the AG's Anti-Corruption Unit, was dismissed. Both fled to the United States, to avoid different charges brought against actions during their tenure. The US expressed support for these former justice sector officials, and others who also fled. The US also expressed concern for the cases against journalist Jose Ruben Zamora and prosecutor Virginia Laparra.
3. President Giammattei Supports Ukraine
In late July, President Giammattei became the first Latin American president to publicly side with Ukraine. President Giammattei called Ukrainian President Zelensky to express his support and then traveled to Ukraine. These actions were well received by the United States and marked a turning point in the bilateral relation.
4. US Blacklists Continued
The US continued blacklisting public officials and even private sector barons, but at a reduced pace. Also of note, Guatemala's lists were mostly made up of former high ranking officials, unlike countries like El Salvador or Nicaragua. However, at the end of December, the United States requested the extradition of an active member of Congress to face drug trafficking charges, for the first time in recent history.
5. Remittances and Migration on the Rise
Remittances rose an estimated 18% in 2022 from the previous year. The flow of migrants from Guatemala to the US continued, even though it was no longer in massive caravans.
Also on the rise, the Venezuelans and other Central Americans who ask for money in the streets of Guatemala to continue their journey to the US.