In a significant humanitarian development, Guatemalan President Bernardo Arévalo has confirmed that hundreds of Mexicans have fled escalating violence in Chiapas and are now seeking refuge in Guatemala. The displaced individuals are currently being housed in a temporary shelter in the village of Ampliación Nueva Reforma in Cuilco, a municipality close to the border.
President Arévalo emphasized the collaborative efforts between various Guatemalan authorities in providing assistance to the refugees. “From the very beginning, we have been collaborating with the authorities of the department of Huehuetenango and the municipality of Cuilco, through the Ministry of Defense, to be able to coordinate the care that is being given to the people who are fleeing this confrontation between groups that is taking place on the Mexican side,” Arévalo stated at a recent press conference.
He further elaborated on the government’s proactive stance: “So we have been present from the very beginning and we are already collaborating to provide assistance to these refugees.” The Guatemalan government’s swift response aims to address the immediate needs of the refugees and ensure their safety.
According to the Associated Press (AP), the Executive Secretariat of the National Coordinator for Disaster Reduction (CONRED) has been tasked with assisting the displaced people. As of last Tuesday, the number of Mexicans displaced from Chiapas who have entered Guatemalan territory has reached 580.
The violence in Chiapas is attributed to the ongoing conflict between the Sinaloa and Jalisco New Generation cartels. These cartels have been engaged in a brutal battle over control of key trafficking routes for migrants, drugs, and weapons, particularly in border areas adjacent to Guatemala.
In response to the crisis, the Guatemalan Ministry of Defense has taken decisive action to bolster border security. Ann Marie Argueta, spokesperson for the Ministry, revealed to AFP that the Guatemalan Army has reinforced the border to protect the local population and manage the influx of refugees.
The violence in Chiapas has led to a disturbing increase in homicides. El Economista reported that from January to May 2024, there have been 400 victims of intentional homicide in the state. This figure marks the highest number of homicide cases in the first five months of the year since 2015.
Data from the Executive Secretariat of the National Public Security System highlighted that in May alone, Chiapas registered 101 murders. This represents a 152.4% increase compared to May 2023, which saw 40 homicides, and an 8.6% increase compared to April 2024, which recorded 93 murders.
The humanitarian crisis unfolding in Chiapas has forced hundreds of Mexicans to seek refuge in Guatemala. The Guatemalan government, in collaboration with local and international agencies, is providing critical assistance to these displaced individuals. As the conflict between the Sinaloa and Jalisco New Generation cartels continues, the situation remains highly volatile. Efforts to address and mitigate the crisis are ongoing, highlighting the urgent need for coordinated international support and intervention.
