In February 2025, Latin America and the Caribbean faced unrest marked by protests in Argentina, violence in Colombia, Ecuador, and Haiti, organized crime issues in Honduras, and intensified operations against the Sinaloa Cartel in Mexico.
Fast Summary
In February 2025, unrest characterized several countries in Latin America and the Caribbean. In Argentina, widespread protests erupted due to discontent with President Javier Milei, driven by environmental concerns and financial scandals. Colombia faced intensified conflicts as the ELN expanded its operations against rival groups. Ecuador experienced violence against political figures amid escalating crime related to electoral processes. Haiti’s gang violence surged, particularly in Port-au-Prince, while Honduras reported a significant increase in killings linked to organized crime ahead of elections. Security operations intensified in Mexico against the Sinaloa Cartel, responding to pressures from the U.S. government.
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In February 2025, Argentina witnessed nationwide protests, driven by discontent towards President Javier Milei. More than 155 demonstrations were recorded, a considerable rise from the previous month, with significant activity during the Federal March of Anti-fascist and Anti-racist Pride. Protesters condemned Milei’s controversial comments at the World Economic Forum regarding gender policies and same-sex marriage. Demonstrations also erupted in response to devastating forest fires, impacting over 30,000 hectares. Public opinion further soured due to the “cryptogate” scandal involving the cryptocurrency $LIBRA, contributing to doubts about Milei’s credibility.
In Colombia, the National Liberation Army (ELN) intensified its activities following a January offensive. The ELN engaged rival factions in Arauca, Antioquia, Bolívar, and Chocó, with violence escalating as they allied with FARC dissidents. In February, armed clashes led to significant casualties and widespread displacement in Chocó due to the imposition of a 72-hour armed curfew. Humanitarian issues have risen sharply, complicating President Petro’s Total Peace initiative while showcasing the fragmented nature of Colombia’s internal conflicts.
As Ecuador prepared for its presidential runoff on April 13, violence against political figures escalated, underscoring serious threats during the electoral cycle. Notable incidents included an ambush of a political leader and attempts on other candidates’ lives. Since the electoral process began in early February, at least 62 violent events targeting political figures resulted in 45 fatalities, marking a concerning trend amidst the backdrop of soaring homicide rates.
In Haiti, clashes escalated between self-defense groups and gangs in Port-au-Prince, particularly stemming from the actions of the Kraze Baryè gang. Violent incidents increased significantly, with self-defense groups battling gangs leading to numerous fatalities. The rise in violence is attributed to gang attempts to control strategic areas, further destabilizing the region and prompting reactions from local authorities.
Honduras reported alarming levels of organized crime violence, with at least five multiple-fatality attacks across four departments in February. The state of exception, aimed at curbing crime, has been in place since November 2022, yet violence surged, especially during the electoral process. Historical data indicates increased targeting of political figures, with significant implications for upcoming elections.
In Mexico, the government ramped up security operations to combat the Sinaloa Cartel, resulting in numerous arrests and the destruction of cartel infrastructure. The increase in security measures was prompted by U.S. pressure to tackle drug trafficking. The operations have led to a slight decrease in violence levels, marking a crucial turn in the long-standing conflict with organized crime in the region.
The regional overview for Latin America and the Caribbean in February 2025 reveals significant unrest and violence across several countries. Argentina experienced widespread protests against the government, while Colombia faced escalating conflicts among armed groups. Ecuador saw increased violence against political figures during its electoral preparations. In Haiti, gang-related violence intensified further, highlighting instability. Honduras and Mexico also contended with organized crime issues amid electoral concerns, reflecting broader challenges in maintaining security and governance in the region. Efforts to address these conflicts vary by country, with implications for political stability and public safety as elections approach.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
