Central America

Nayib Bukele’s leadership highlighted in historic result of 365 days without murders

Photo: DES

May 12 |

The vice president of the republic, Félix Ulloa, yesterday highlighted the leadership of President Nayib Bukele in the area of public security, which has led to El Salvador having 365 days without registering homicides throughout the territory.

The government of President Bukele is jointly developing the Territorial Control Plan (PCT) and the emergency regime, achieving a drastic reduction in murders, as well as the recovery of territories that were under gang control and the frontal combat of common and organized crime.

Ulloa also highlighted in this achievement “the effective coordination” of the Public Security Cabinet and “the accompaniment” of the Attorney General’s Office, the Legislative Assembly and the judicial system.

After reaching 365 days without deaths caused by gangs, Ernesto Castro, president of the Legislative Assembly, recalled that during almost 30 years of ARENA and FMLN governments the country was subjected under the clutches of terrorist groups.

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The former three-color and red presidents failed to implement effective security strategies; instead, they opted to make pacts with gang members and even negotiated the lives of Salvadorans in exchange for votes to stay in power, as recently confirmed by Mauricio Funes, a fugitive from justice and former president of the FMLN.

In this sense, Ernesto Castro, president of the Assembly, highlighted the transformation that President Bukele has achieved in the country in terms of public security, being the first president capable of successfully leading a war against terrorists and freeing the country from anxiety and massive violent deaths.

He reaffirmed that, from the Legislative Assembly, the bench of Nuevas Ideas will maintain the commitment with Salvadorans to “guarantee the governability” that the Executive needs to continue implementing strategies in diverse areas, with the objective of promoting national development.

Central America

U.S. and Guatemala Sign Trade Deal Granting Zero Tariffs to Most Exports

The United States signed a reciprocal trade agreement with Guatemala on Friday, under which 70.4% of Guatemalan exports will enter the U.S. market tariff-free.

Guatemalan President Bernardo Arévalo highlighted the importance of the agreement, stating that it creates a framework of cooperation, certainty, and new opportunities for producers, workers, and entrepreneurs in the country. His remarks were shared in a video published on his official social media channels.

In 2025, 30.3% of Guatemala’s total exports were destined for the United States, amounting to approximately $4.3 billion. As a result, the agreement is expected to directly benefit key sectors of the Guatemalan economy, including agribusiness, manufacturing, and the textile industry.

“Today we have taken another step toward consolidating a country that, when it moves forward united, generates confidence, attracts investment, and creates real development opportunities for all its people,” Arévalo added.

The agreement with Guatemala follows a similar trade deal signed by the United States with El Salvador on Thursday, which includes the elimination of a 10% tariff on Salvadoran imports.

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Central America

Panama Supreme Court Strikes Down Panama Ports Concession as Unconstitutional

Panama’s Supreme Court of Justice has ruled unconstitutional the concession contract granted in 1997 to Panama Ports Company (PPC), a subsidiary of the Chinese conglomerate CK Hutchison, which operates two strategic ports along the interoceanic canal. The decision was announced on Thursday, January 29, 2026, following two lawsuits filed by the Comptroller General’s Office.

The ruling directly affects the management of the ports of Balboa, on the Pacific coast, and Cristóbal, on the Atlantic side, both of which have been operated by the company for nearly three decades. According to Panama’s Comptroller General, Anel Flores, an audit uncovered irregularities in the contract that resulted in more than $1.3 billion failing to enter state coffers.

“It is a predatory contract, abusive to the interests of the country,” Flores stated.

The Supreme Court determined that Law 5 of 1997, its subsequent amendments, and the automatic extension granted in 2021 are unconstitutional. The ruling noted that the contract renewal took place without adequate oversight and amid allegations of corruption, despite the Panamanian state holding only a 10% stake in the company.

Central America

Guatemala President Says Starlink Terminal Found Inside Prison

Guatemalan President Bernardo Arévalo revealed on Tuesday that a Starlink terminal was discovered inside a prison in the country, highlighting corruption and the illegal introduction of advanced communication technology into the penitentiary system.

Arévalo did not specify which prison the device was found in but stressed that Starlink’s ability to connect directly to low-orbit satellites makes it particularly difficult to disrupt, posing a serious security risk.

The disclosure was made during a press conference attended by Interior Minister Marco Antonio Villeda and Defense Minister Henry Sáenz.

On January 6, specialized units of Guatemala’s National Civil Police (PNC), members of the Army and prison security personnel carried out Operation Sentinel at the Renovación 1 Maximum Security Prison for Men, located in Escuintla. According to the Interior Ministry, the operation aimed to reduce criminal activity, prevent illicit acts and stop the trafficking of prohibited items inside the prison.

During the operation, authorities also dismantled businesses operating near several prisons after detecting routers that were allegedly used to redirect internet signals into penitentiary facilities, according to local outlet Emisoras Unidas.

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Tensions escalated further over the weekend of January 17 and 18, when inmates affiliated with gangs staged riots in three prisons. During the unrest, they took prison guards and a psychologist hostage, demanding extra-large beds, air conditioning, transfers to other facilities and access to the internet.