Sandra Cuffe
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freelance journalist. periodista. politics, derechos humanos, environmental issues, movimientos sociales. Guatemala and beyond. sandra.m.cuffe(at)gmail.
Articles by Sandra Cuffe
Indigenous survivors pursue justice at genocide trial in Guatemala
Warning: This article contains details of violence that may be upsetting. Guatemala City, Guatemala – Jesus Tecu remembers wrapping his little brother in his arms in an attempt to protect the two-year-old from the horrors unfolding around them. list of 3 items list 1 of 3 list 2 of 3 list 3 of 3 end of list It was March 13, 1982, and their village of Rio Negro — a Maya Achi community situated along a river in central Guatemala — was under attack.
Rehabilitation of Guatemalan fauna highlights opacity of illegal wildlife trade
Endangered monkeys, some of them trafficked into the pet trade, were among the animals released into the wild in Guatemala’s Maya Biosphere Reserve last November after rehabilitation at a nonprofit center. According to conservationists, there are major information gaps when it comes to the illegal wildlife trade in Guatemala, with government institutions doing very little to control it.
Indigenous Leaders in Guatemala Are Camping Out to Prevent Post-Election Coup
The aroma of coffee wafts out from a communal kitchen tent at a Guatemala City protest encampment where people are counting down the days until the inauguration of the country’s next government. For months, leaders from autonomous Indigenous governance structures have spearheaded a movement to defend democracy by ensuring the transition happens, and they have maintained the protest camp outside the public prosecutors’ office around the clock for more than 100 days.
Is democracy sinking in Guatemala? Legal meddling ahead of inauguration.
More than 3 1/2 months since anti-corruption candidate and underdog Bernardo Arévalo won the presidential runoff election in Guatemala, top prosecutors are ramping up efforts to subvert his victory. They claim the results of the first-round, general elections back in June should be annulled. Attempts to undermine democracy across Latin America have brought the region outsize attention in recent years.
Is democracy sinking in Guatemala? Legal meddling ahead of inauguration.
Cristina Valenzuela raises her hand-crafted protest sign on a downtown street corner earlier this month, while hundreds of people file past. The poster shows alarmed passengers holding up the Guatemalan flag aboard a boat labeled “democracia,” as the vessel tilts into blue tissue-paper water. “We are just one step away from losing that democracy we have struggled so much to maintain,” says Ms. Valenzuela, a retired teacher shouting over the din of the crowd of pro-democracy protesters on Dec. 7.
Is Democracy Sinking In Guatemala? Legal Meddling Ahead Of Inauguration. - The Christian Science Monitor
Cristina Valenzuela raises her hand-crafted protest sign on a downtown street corner earlier this month, while hundreds of people file past. The poster shows alarmed passengers holding up the Guatemalan flag aboard a boat labeled “democracia,” as the vessel tilts into blue tissue-paper water. “We are just one step away from losing that democracy we have struggled so much to maintain,” says Ms. Valenzuela, a retired teacher shouting over the din of the crowd of pro-democracy protesters on Dec. 7.
Circles of hope: the Guatemalan women reviving Indigenous concepts of mental wellbeing - Positive News
Following decades of civil war, a community collective in Guatemala is using sharing circles to revive Indigenous concepts of mental health. After centuries of suppression, women are being empowered to find their voices Health Lifestyle Society Wellbeing World Developing mental wealth A series about mental health in economically developing countries Following decades of civil war, a community collective in Guatemala is using sharing circles to revive Indigenous concepts of mental health.
An Uprising for Democracy in Guatemala
The kitchen tent was bustling with activity as volunteers prepared tortillas, scrambled eggs, doled out portions of beans and cheese, and poured coffee. It was just before eight in the morning at the protest outside the public prosecutors’ office in Guatemala City, where a dedicated crew has been serving Indigenous leaders and other demonstrators around the clock for more than two weeks straight.
An uprising for democracy in Guatemala
Maya Kaqchikel dancers perform at the protest outside the public prosecutors’ office after walking for four days from the Chimaltenango department to Guatemala City. Photo: Sandra Cuffe. The kitchen tent was bustling with activity as volunteers prepared tortillas, scrambled eggs, doled out portions of beans and cheese, and poured coffee.
Sandra Cuffe Archives - New Politics
Protests that are part of an Indigenous-led national shutdown in Guatemala
An uprising for democracy in Guatemala — Ojalá
The number of highway and road blockades has constantly fluctuated up and down, ranging from a dozen to more than 150, peaking on October 9. Since then, many have let up, some periodically let traffic through, and a few have been evicted by police. Groups of armed men have also intimidated or attacked several blockade actions, in a few cases opening fire and injuring demonstrators.
Un levantamiento por la democracia sacude Guatemala — Ojalá
La cantidad de bloqueos de autopistas y carreteras ha variado constantemente, oscilando entre una docena y más de 150 y alcanzando su punto álgido el 9 de octubre. Desde entonces, muchos han cedido, algunos abren periódicamente el tránsito y unos cuantos han sido desalojados por la policía. Grupos de hombres armados han intimidado y atacado varias acciones de bloqueo, en algunos casos abriendo fuego e hiriendo a manifestantes.
Republican House Members Move to Expel George Santos After Prosecutors Add 10 Charges to Indictment
Prosecutors hit Santos with 10 new charges on Thursday, including aggravated identity theft. By Sharon Zhang , Truthout Published October 11, 2023 Rep. George Santos leaves a candidate forum with House Republicans to hear from members running for U.S. Speaker of House in the Longworth House Office Building on October 10, 2023, in Washington, D.C.Joe Raedle / Getty Images Rep.
Guatemalan Protests Shut Down Country’s Highways to Defend Democracy
Imelda Mejía and her daughter held their homemade protest signs high, standing in the middle of the highway despite the blistering heat in the lowlands of northern Guatemala. Others sought shelter in the shade, doled out water and bread, and took turns on a megaphone to keep spirits high at the action in Santa Elena, nearly 300 miles north of Guatemala City. “We’re here because we need to defend our rights and our votes,” Mejía, a 52-year-old homemaker, told Truthout.
Guatemala political crisis spotlights calls for change
Guatemala City, Guatemala – Guatemala continues to be roiled by political turmoil following last month’s election run-off, with rallies picking up again in cities and towns around the Central American nation to protest efforts to undermine the vote. But while many Guatemalans are caught up in the crisis, others have more pressing everyday concerns, such as making ends meet in a country where nearly 60 percent of the population lives in poverty.
After a Year of Fumbles, Congressional Progressive Caucus Must Chart a New Path
As media companies are downsizing, the world still desperately needs Truthout. It’s no secret that it’s a tough time for independent journalism. Everywhere you look, media organizations are cutting costs and eliminating vital positions. From small, local publications to large, well-known industry giants, no one is immune to this sea change. Truthout is one of a few news publications that remains almost entirely funded by readers.
Facing Electoral Defeat, Guatemala’s Ruling Elites Undermine Nation’s Democracy
Election authorities have certified Bernardo Arévalo as Guatemala’s president-elect, but efforts to destabilize his party and the election outcome persist and they are taking a toll on the population. Still, Guatemalans are speaking out to defend their democracy. A progressive congressman and sociologist, Arévalo’s victory in the August 20 presidential runoff election was officially certified by the country’s electoral tribunal on August 28.
‘Hope won’ Guatemalan presidential vote, but hurdles remain
Anti-corruption candidate Bernardo Arévalo – barely on the electoral radar just a few months ago – was chosen as Guatemala’s next president last night, winning 58% of the vote. There are high expectations from the voters who backed him. They expressed a desire for change from the years of systemic corruption and weakening of institutional independence that have come to define modern Guatemalan politics.
‘Hope won’ Guatemalan presidential vote, but hurdles remain
Firecrackers, noisemakers, and cheers pierced the night sky Sunday as Guatemalans descended on plazas across the country to celebrate the resounding victory of Bernardo Arévalo, a sociologist and member of Congress seen as a threat to the political establishment. “Hope won,” José López, a retail worker, says excitedly while on his way to one of the impromptu celebrations in Guatemala City. “People are tired of all the corruption. We are fed up,” he says.
‘Hope Won’ Guatemalan Presidential Vote, But Hurdles Remain - The Christian Science Monitor
Firecrackers, noisemakers, and cheers pierced the night sky Sunday as Guatemalans descended on plazas across the country to celebrate the resounding victory of Bernardo Arévalo, a sociologist and member of Congress seen as a threat to the political establishment. “Hope won,” José López, a retail worker, says excitedly while on his way to one of the impromptu celebrations in Guatemala City. “People are tired of all the corruption. We are fed up,” he says.
‘Last bastion of democracy’? Guatemalans vote in presidential runoff.
On June 25, Bernardo Arévalo unexpectedly secured second place in Guatemala’s first-round presidential vote. Many in the political and economic elite consider Mr. Arévalo, a sociologist and congressman, a threat to Guatemala’s status quo. But Mr. Arévalo seems to have captured a wave of citizen frustration.
‘Last bastion of democracy’? Guatemalans vote in presidential runoff.
More than 200 Mayan women gathered with back looms and protest banners outside the public prosecutor’s office in Guatemala City last week, demanding the government stop “weaving corruption” ahead of a presidential runoff election. It was one of many diverse – and earnest – protests that emerged across Guatemala in the lead-up to this Sunday’s vote, part of a chorus of calls for officials to respect the electoral process and democracy here.
Three new studies on Indigenous conservation for International Indigenous Peoples Day
Indigenous peoples and local communities have nuanced, in-depth knowledge of climate change impacts that needs to be recognized by scientists and policy-makers, according to researchers. Industrial development threatens nearly 60% of Indigenous lands worldwide and renewable energy infrastructure expansion could become a dominant driver, according to a new peer-reviewed study.
Over a third of conflicts over development projects affect Indigenous people: Study
Roughly one-third of all environmental conflicts documented in an online crowd-sourced atlas affect Indigenous peoples, researchers have found. The mining of transition minerals has been linked to hundreds of allegations of abuse with multi-faceted impacts on the environment and communities, according to a new report.
Honduran Activists Are Protesting “State of Emergency” That Suspends Civil Rights
Part of the Series The Road to Abolition In Tegucigalpa, Honduras, a group of activists has been gathering regularly on Saturday mornings to oppose one of President Xiomara Castro’s popular new policies: a state of emergency that partially suspends several fundamental constitutional rights. The measure, also known as a state of exception, is meant to be a key part of Castro’s “war on extortion,” a major and systemic problem in Honduras.
Guatemalan Tribunal Bars Leftist Presidential Ticket From Ballot
Guatemala’s Supreme Electoral Tribunal ruled earlier this week that a leftist presidential ticket headed by Indigenous human rights defender Thelma Cabrera should be barred from the June ballot, prompting fury and vows of mass protests from Cabrera’s supporters.
Répression cachée en Colombie – «Les gens paniquent dès qu’ils apprennent que l’armée arrive»
– «Les gens paniquent dès qu’ils apprennent que l’armée arrive» Selon des documents, les militaires harcèlent les agriculteurs et commettent des assassinats lors des éradications forcées des plantations de coca. Publié aujourd’hui à 09h57 Les mains calleuses de Jefferson Parrado caressent le feuillage des buissons. Le vent fait légèrement bouger le chapeau qui le protège d’un soleil de plomb. Soudain, il arrache une feuille et la triture entre ses doigts.
Répression cachée en Colombie – «Les gens paniquent dès qu’ils apprennent que l’armée arrive»
– «Les gens paniquent dès qu’ils apprennent que l’armée arrive» Selon des documents, les militaires harcèlent les agriculteurs et commettent des assassinats lors des éradications forcées des plantations de coca. Publié aujourd’hui à 09h57 Les mains calleuses de Jefferson Parrado caressent le feuillage des buissons. Le vent fait légèrement bouger le chapeau qui le protège d’un soleil de plomb. Soudain, il arrache une feuille et la triture entre ses doigts.
Coke and blood: the hidden repression of the Colombian army
By Juan Diego Quesada and Sandra Cuffe (El País) Jefferson Parrado's calloused hands caress the foliage of bushes. The wind slightly moves the hat which protects it from the blazing sun. Suddenly, he tears off a leaf and grinds it between his fingers.
Coca y sangre: la represión oculta del Ejército colombiano
Las manos callosas de Jefferson Parrado acarician las hojas de las matas. El viento mueve levemente el sombrero que le protege de un sol que irradia como una estufa. De repente, arranca una hoja y la tritura entre los dedos. “La coca es nuestro único medio de subsistencia”, dice el presidente de la junta comunal de Nueva Colombia, un pequeño pueblo junto a un río en el que se cultiva hoja de coca que después, los mismos campesinos, convierten en pasta base, en una droga que se llama bazuco.
2022 Amazon fires tightly tied to recent deforestation, new data show
Nearly 1,000 major fires burned in the Amazon during its 2022 fire season, according to the Monitoring of the Andean Amazon Project (MAAP). The Brazilian Amazon accounted for the vast majority of the fires, and most burned in recently deforested areas. MAAP uses unique satellite data detecting aerosol emissions alongside regular heat alerts, which helps filter out small fires.
COP27: How agriculture adapts in world facing drought, famine, floods
In Guatemala, farmers are setting up “living fences” around fields, creating a buffer of roots to protect their soil during increasingly strong rainy seasons. In Jordan, local Bedouin communities and authorities are pioneering resilient desert agriculture in a region that has been hit by longer and more intense heat waves.
Environmental ‘superministry’ bill raises alarm in Guatemala
GUATEMALA CITY, Guatemala – A controversial bill that would merge Guatemala’s protected areas council and lake watershed management agencies into the country’s environmental ministry has sparked sustained pushback from environmental organizations, while affected institutions have highlighted significant legal gaps in the proposed law.
Report: Misuse of US Military Aid to Guatemala Is Going Unchecked
The United States lacks concrete policies to properly document and address alleged misuse of its military equipment donations in Central America, a new government report has found, fuelling concerns that potential abuses will continue to go unchecked. Between the US Departments of Defense and State, the US provided more than $66m in security assistance to Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras from 2017 through 2021.
US military donation misuse in Guatemala going unchecked: Report
US government report urges agencies to better track alleged instances of military equipment misuse in Central America. Published On 3 Nov 20223 Nov 2022 Guatemala City – The United States lacks concrete policies to properly document and address alleged misuse of its military equipment donations in Central America, a new government report has found, fuelling concerns that potential abuses will continue to go unchecked.
Honduran forest governance agreement brings cautious hope
A timber trade agreement that aims to ensure Honduras exports only legally harvested timber products to the European Union is the first of its kind to go into force in the Americas. Under the framework, a timber legality assurance system currently under development will be the backbone of licenses for the export of legal timber and timber products.
There is not enough land to meet many of the world’s climate pledges, says new study
National climate pledges would collectively require 1.2 billion hectares (about 3 billion acres) of land, researchers have found in a new study, The Land Gap Report. More than half of this land is already currently used for something else. This demand for land will put pressure on ecosystems, Indigenous lands, small farmers and food security.
Why did Central America shift UN votes on Russia-Ukraine war?
Central American countries have shifted their voting records on United Nations resolutions related to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine during the past months, underscoring their complex relationships with global superpowers and each other, according to analysts. Nicaragua was one of only five countries to vote against a UN resolution last week calling for non-recognition and a reversal of Russia’s “attempted illegal annexation” of four regions in Ukraine.
Building a Global Mangrove Movement
Author: Sandra Cuffe, Photographer: Felipe Jacome, Mangrove ecosystems provide community livelihoods, function as biodiversity hotspots, and help mitigate the effects of climate change, but efforts to protect them have been patchy and localized. A few organizations have banded together to change that. NAYARIT, Mexico— Oscar González Díaz takes a closer look at the mangroves surrounding a small patch of earth and vegetation, one of few remaining in this part of the lagoon.
The Global Mangrove Alliance is fighting to save vital ecosystems
Mangrove ecosystems provide community livelihoods, function as biodiversity hotspots, and help mitigate the effects of climate change, but efforts to protect them have been patchy and localized. A few organizations have banded together to change that. MARISMAS NACIONALES Oscar González Díaz takes a closer look at the mangroves surrounding a small patch of earth and vegetation, one of few remaining in this part of the lagoon.
Guatemalans strongly reject mining project in local referendum
Nearly 88% of participating residents voted against metallic mining in a municipal referendum in Asunción Mita, in southeastern Guatemala. Locals fear the Cerro Blanco gold mining project would pollute soil and water sources, affecting the health of residents and crops. There is also strong opposition in nearby El Salvador to the mine as it is located near a tributary of the Lempa River that provides water for millions of Salvadorans.
Scientists call for end to violence against Amazon communities, environmental defenders
The Association for Tropical Biology and Conservation (ATBC) demanded urgent action to stop attacks against Indigenous peoples, environmentalists and communities in a July 14 declaration. An alignment between illegal resource extraction and drug trafficking in the Amazon places people protecting resources at increasing risk, according to the association.
Tale of two pandemics as mining thrived while communities faced restrictions
The power imbalance between mining companies and communities in Latin America deepened during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a report published May 24. The report details how the pandemic presented companies with a window of opportunity to continue or even ramp up their activities, while communities opposed to mining projects faced pandemic restrictions and violence.
Guatemala attorney general’s reappointment raises alarm Original
Guatemala City – Guatemala’s controversial attorney general has started a second term, but Maria Consuelo Porras‘ last-minute reappointment this week has sparked widespread condemnation and new sanctions amid alarm over backsliding on the rule of law.
US officials attend migration summit while policies under fire Original
Guatemala City, Guatemala – Top United States officials are in Panama for a summit on migration in the Americas, where migrant rights groups say US policies exacerbate the dangers faced by migrants and asylum seekers heading north. The US secretaries of state and homeland security are joining their counterparts from 20 other countries in the western hemisphere for a ministerial conference on migration on Tuesday and Wednesday in Panama City.
The Hidden Story of a Notorious Guatemalan Nickel Mine
Cristóbal Pop vividly remembers when the lake suddenly turned red. Indigenous Maya Q’eqchi’ fishermen depend on Lake Izabal, Guatemala’s largest lake, for their livelihoods, and Pop had just been elected president of the local fishers guild when the water changed color. “It had a bad smell,” said Pop, sitting in the shade outside his wooden home in the town of El Estor, nearly 200 miles northeast of Guatemala City. The rust-colored patch of water stretched for more than a mile in front of town.
Indigenous community takes Guatemalan land rights fight to international court
The Inter-American Court of Human Rights is hearing the land rights case of the Maya Q’eqchi’ community Agua Caliente Lote 9 versus Guatemala on Feb. 9. The eventual ruling could be a landmark decision, establishing an international precedent on Indigenous collective rights over natural resources, such as nickel.
Rare disease patients push for access to treatment in Panama
Reporting for this story was supported by a grant from the National Press Foundation. Panama City, Panama – Maria has lost track of how many times she has seen a healthcare worker over the past three years. But despite innumerable medical checks, she still does not have any clear answers as to what is ailing her. “I have been sick for so long. I want to know why,” said Maria, who asked that her last name not be used to avoid possible repercussions at her Panama City workplace.
Guatemalans still seek justice, 25 years after civil war’s end
Survivors decry new amnesty bill that would free perpetrators of crimes against humanity during 1960-1996 civil war. Published On 29 Dec 202129 Dec 2021 San Juan Comalapa, Guatemala – Julia Poyon was three years old when Guatemalan soldiers broke down the door to her family’s home and took her father away. Now decades later, Poyon says her only hazy memory of him is from a joyful night before his 1981 abduction.
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