Guatemala declares state of emergency after armed attacks

On Sunday 14 December, the Guatemalan President, Bernardo Arévalo, declared a State of Emergency (SoE) in two municipalities in western Guatemala. This is due to an armed attacked on a military post and a police station, cutting off roads and hijacking buses, killing at least five people. 

The state of emergency is expected to last for 15 days in the municipalities of Nahuala and Santa Catarina Ixtahuacan in the department of Solola. The SoE limits the rights to open-air meetings, public demonstrations and events. It allows officials to break up any unapproved gatherings or protests, especially if they involve weapons or violence. Protests that block roads or disrupt services can also be stopped by force, and people are not allowed to carry weapons.

If you are in the areas of the SoE, we recommend you: 

• Stay alert and if you see something suspicious or dangerous, leave the area immediately.
• Avoid large crowds, demonstrations, and protests.
• If you see large numbers of police or armed forces, leave the area.
• Avoid areas where incidents have been reported.
• Follow any instructions issued by the local authorities and exercise particular vigilance in public places. 
• Monitor the media and other local information sources for any new information on potential threats to your safety and security.

Read our advice for New Zealanders in areas where there is violence or conflict. 

If you require consular assistance, please contact the New Zealand Embassy in Mexico City, accredited to Guatemala, on +52 55 5283 9460 or email [email protected] 

New Zealanders in need of urgent consular assistance can also contact the Ministry’s 24/7 consular line on +64 99 20 20 20.