What’s Currently Happening in Central America?
Central America is a region that has been plagued by a variety of issues, ranging from political unrest to economic instability. In recent years, the region has garnered significant attention due to the surge of migration towards the United States. This article takes a closer look at what is currently happening in Central America and the factors that contribute to the ongoing situation.
Political Unrest
Central America has been mired in political instability, with countries like Honduras and Guatemala being plagued by corruption and human rights violations. Protests have erupted in several nations, with citizens seeking to bring about change and demand more equitable governance. For example, in 2018, the Honduran presidential election faced allegations of fraud, leading to massive protests throughout the country. The crisis resulted in severe violence in which several people lost their lives.
Similarly, in Guatemala, massive protests have occurred to demand the resignation of President Alejandro Giammattei after his controversial handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and police brutality towards demonstrators.
Economic Instability
Central America has also been affected by economic turmoil in recent years. Several countries in the region have struggled with poverty, inequality, and unemployment, which have been exacerbated by social and political issues. The COVID-19 pandemic has made matters even worse, causing a significant disruption to the economy and leading to widespread poverty.
According to the World Bank, Central America and the Caribbean had a gross domestic product (GDP) contraction of 6.9% in 2020, one of the hardest hit regions in the world.
Migration Crisis
The ongoing poverty and violence in Central America have forced many people to migrate to other countries, predominantly to the United States. For years, the United States has seen a steady influx of migrants from Central America, with many seeking refuge from violence, natural disasters, and economic instability.
The situation has been in the spotlight since 2018, when the Trump administration implemented a “zero tolerance” policy that separated migrant children from their families. The Biden administration has vowed to reverse the policy and reform the immigration system to provide a path to citizenship for millions of undocumented immigrants who have been living in the United States for years.
In Conclusion
Central America continues to face numerous challenges, including political unrest, economic instability and migration crisis. These issues are complex and deeply rooted, and their resolution is critical for the development and the well-being of the region. With the right political will and investment, progress can be made to bring about a more stable, prosperous, and equitable future for Central America.
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