Central America

Central America is experiencing a period of significant upheaval in early 2026. Guatemala is grappling with a state of emergency following coordinated gang attacks that resulted in the deaths of police officers and prison riots, posing a challenge to President Arévalo's efforts against corruption. Costa Rica's presidential election saw Laura Fernández of the conservative Sovereign People's Party win. The United States is exerting pressure on countries to end Cuban medical programs, impacting healthcare in the region. The FAA has issued warnings to US airlines about potential risks, including military activities and GPS interference, when flying over Central America and surrounding areas. This follows the abduction of Venezuelan President Maduro by US forces, raising concerns about a potential influx of Venezuelan refugees into neighboring countries already hosting large Venezuelan populations. These events highlight the complex political, security, and humanitarian challenges facing Central America.