Regional Overview of Political Unrest and Violence in Latin America and the Caribbean: February 2025

In February 2025, notable political unrest occurred throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. In Argentina, widespread protests against President Javier Milei were fueled by government discontent and a cryptocurrency scandal. Colombia saw the ELN’s offensive escalate across departments, while Ecuador experienced violence targeting political figures amidst upcoming elections. In Haiti, gang violence surged in Port-au-Prince due to conflicts with self-defense groups. In Honduras, multiple killings related to organized crime raised alarms on electoral security. Moreover, in Mexico, operations against the Sinaloa Cartel intensified amidst U.S. pressure.

Fast Summary In February 2025, notable political unrest occurred throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. In Argentina, widespread protests against President Javier Milei were fueled by government discontent and a cryptocurrency scandal. Colombia saw the ELN’s offensive escalate across departments, while Ecuador experienced violence targeting political figures amidst upcoming elections. In Haiti, gang violence surged in Port-au-Prince due to conflicts with self-defense groups. In Honduras, multiple killings related to organized crime raised alarms on electoral security. Moreover, in Mexico, operations against the Sinaloa Cartel intensified amidst U.S. pressure.

Argentina In February, discontent with President Javier Milei prompted over 155 protests nationwide. A significant event was the Federal March of Anti-fascist and Anti-racist Pride, where LGBTQ+ groups and unions criticized Milei’s remarks on gender policies at the World Economic Forum. Concurrently, environmental protests arose due to severe forest fires. Additionally, the fallout from the “cryptogate” scandal regarding Milei’s backing of the collapsed $LIBRA cryptocurrency has shifted public perception, with 53% of surveyed individuals viewing him as complicit in a scam. This crisis could undermine Argentina’s political and economic stability.

Colombia The National Liberation Army (ELN) has intensified its offensive against rival groups, further extending operations into Arauca, Antioquia, Bolívar, and Chocó departments. In February, a series of violent engagements between the ELN and FARC dissidents resulted in numerous fatalities. Notably, forced displacements occurred in Chocó due to an imposed “armed curfew” by the ELN, causing widespread fear and humanitarian crises. These developments complicate President Gustavo Petro’s efforts to implement Total Peace strategies.

Ecuador As Ecuador approaches its presidential runoff election scheduled for April 13, escalating violence against political figures poses a significant threat. Incidents of targeted assassinations, such as the ambush of a political leader, reflect the heightened risk for electoral candidates. Since the electoral cycle began on February 9, at least 62 incidents of violence targeting politicians resulted in 45 deaths, indicating a deteriorating security environment with expectations of further violence ahead of the election.

Haiti In Port-au-Prince, violence increased significantly between 8 and 11 February as the Kraze Baryè gang clashed with self-defense groups. The attacks led to civilian evacuations, prompting violent retaliations against community members involved in anti-gang actions. Clashes in neighboring communes escalated, resulting in dozens of casualties. The rising gang violence has driven overall violence in the region up by 20% compared to January.

Honduras February witnessed a surge in organized crime-related killings in Honduras, with at least five multiple-fatality attacks linked to criminal disputes. Despite government efforts to curb violence through a state of exception, marked increases in deaths and targeted attacks against political candidates raise concerns about security during the election cycle. ACLED data shows 10 recorded violent incidents aimed at political figures amid ongoing tensions before the upcoming elections in November.

Mexico Security operations against the Sinaloa Cartel have intensified, with federal and state forces achieving significant arrests and dismantling operations in February. Enhanced efforts included the destruction of cartel-associated drug laboratories and removal of criminal surveillance technology. These actions align with U.S. demands to combat drug trafficking, leading to the extradition orders of high-profile traffickers. This crackdown appears to contribute to decreased violence levels in Sinaloa in recent months.

The regional overview of Latin America and the Caribbean in February 2025 highlights a troubling rise in political unrest, violence, and organized crime across various nations. Argentina’s protests against government actions, Colombia’s escalating turf wars, Ecuador’s violence against politicians, and increased gang activity in Haiti are critical issues. Furthermore, Honduras grapples with electoral-related violence, while Mexico intensifies its crackdown on drug cartels. Collectively, these developments pose significant challenges for regional stability and governance.

Original Source: reliefweb.int