Thousands of people marched in the capital of Honduras on September 14, 2024 to show their support for President Xiomara Castro. The president has been facing challenges after a video surfaced showing her brother-in-law meeting with drug traffickers suspected of financing her 2013 campaign. Demonstrators gathered outside the presidential palace in Tegucigalpa chanting “Xiomara is not alone” and expressing their solidarity with the president. One supporter, Carlos Umanzor, a 65-year-old farmer, emphasized the need for unity and support for President Castro.
President Castro announced in late August the cancellation of the extradition treaty with the United States, citing concerns that it could be used against loyal military personnel and facilitate a coup attempt. She criticized the treaty as an example of US interventionism. However, the opposition claims that the treaty was canceled to protect members of the government and her family. Thousands of opponents took to the streets in early September to protest the treaty’s cancellation. Following the announcement, the president’s brother-in-law and nephew resigned from their positions, with Congressman Carlos Zelaya admitting to meeting with drug traffickers in 2013, as revealed in a video published by InSight Crime and Univision.
The extradition treaty, signed in 1912, was seen as a crucial tool in combating international drug trafficking in Honduras. Under this agreement, around fifty Hondurans have been extradited to the United States since 2014. The cancellation of the treaty has sparked controversy and raised concerns about the potential impact on ongoing efforts to address drug trafficking in the region. The political turmoil surrounding the issue has further exacerbated tensions in the country, with both supporters and opponents of President Castro voicing their concerns and grievances.
The political unrest has highlighted divisions within Honduran society, with some rallying behind President Castro while others question her government’s decision-making and integrity. The ongoing protests and demonstrations reflect a deep-seated dissatisfaction with the current administration and its handling of key issues, including corruption and drug trafficking. The president’s efforts to maintain support and bolster her position in the face of mounting challenges have become a focal point of public debate and scrutiny.
As the situation continues to unfold, it remains unclear how President Castro’s government will address the ongoing crisis and navigate the complex political landscape in Honduras. The impact of the recent events on the country’s stability and security, as well as its international relations, remains a topic of concern and debate. The coming days and weeks are likely to be crucial in determining the future trajectory of Honduras and the potential implications for its governance and leadership.
