Guatemala Roundup: Gangs declared terrorists, departmental governments, Congress tension

Arévalo launches process to establish Departmental Governments

President Bernardo Arévalo has begun implementing Guatemala’s Departmental Governments mechanism as part of his A Tu Tierra working tour, with the latest stop in Petén. The initiative aims to decentralise governance by empowering governors to coordinate executive offices and municipal governments, creating localised networks to deliver services more effectively. Arévalo said the model will prioritise territorial needs through strategic agendas focused on social and productive development. The programme seeks to extend state presence beyond central departments and strengthen collaboration between national institutions and local authorities. By 2025, the government plans to establish departmental governments in seven regions, including Chiquimula, San Marcos, Retalhuleu and Alta Verapaz, in a bid to bring decision-making closer to remote communities.

Guatemala Congress advances bill to classify gangs as terrorists

Guatemala’s Congress has advanced Bill 5692, which would declare gang members terrorists, moving it to a second reading with final approval expected in a future session. The initiative proposes reforms to the Penal Code and the Law Against Organized Crime to treat all crimes committed by maras as high-risk offences. It would double penalties for gang-related crimes and impose three to 10 years in prison for threats made by gang members. Lawmakers say the reforms aim to strengthen the state’s ability to combat organised crime by mandating resources for enforcement. 

Arévalo accuses Congress of blocking executive’s work

President Bernardo Arévalo has criticised Guatemala’s Congress for what he called an unprecedented campaign of obstruction against his government. He said lawmakers have abused their oversight role, citing more than 260 citations this year directed at the Ministry of Communications alone, with 11 of 14 ministers facing interpellation requests. Arévalo argued that such pressure amounts to harassment rather than accountability, warning it prevents ministries from functioning. He also condemned attempts by legislators to intimidate officials, including an incident involving Communications Minister Miguel Ángel Díaz. Political analyst Renzo Rosal backed Arévalo’s concerns, saying congressional tactics have undermined the separation of powers and created the appearance of Congress overriding the Executive.

Guatemala moves toward maximum-security prison for gangs

Guatemala’s Congress is advancing plans to build a maximum-security prison for gang members as part of a wider security reform. Lawmakers are revisiting Initiative 5692, first introduced in 2020, which sought to label gangs as terrorist groups. A technical committee met this week to draft a proposal that could amend at least ten laws covering security and justice within six weeks. The plan will combine repression with prevention, focusing on child recruitment and victim protection. Proposals include tougher penalties for extortion, money laundering and criminal association, alongside greater powers for prosecutors and police. Officials argue isolating gang leaders is key, as more than 7,000 extortion cases are reported annually.

Arévalo backs Petén communities in forest protection pacts

President Bernardo Arévalo, on his A Tu Tierra tour in Petén, oversaw the signing of cooperation agreements between the National Council of Protected Areas (CONAP) and four local settlements to safeguard the Great Mayan Forest. The communities of Corral Pek, San Agustín and El Pato in Poptún, along with Nacimiento Nuevo Paraíso La Rejoya in Melchor de Mencos, committed to sustainable development practices that balance livelihoods with conservation. Arévalo highlighted the long-standing role of communities as stewards of natural resources, noting the forest “repays” with water, oxygen and opportunities for agriculture and tourism. He stressed that ensuring harmony between people and environment requires coordination across state institutions and local actors alike.