“Dirty War” Files to Be Reopened / Hurricane Agatha

“Dirty War” revisited. President López Obrador authorized Navy documents referent to the period known as the “Dirty War” to be reopened. During this period, forced disappearances for political motives were rampant and cases are being re-examined with the aim of clarifying these events. Last June, the Mexican government opened the Ministry of National Defense’s (SEDENA) records to survivors and family members of the victims.

The “Dirty War” period in Mexico spanned between the 70s and beginning of the 80s. Experts consider it a period of “state terrorism” as violence against political opponents and dissidents was perpetrated by the Mexican state all around the country.

Hurricane Agatha. President López Obrador informed that the federal government provided financial support to all those affected by Hurricane Agatha in Oaxaca. Nonetheless, he clarified that the delivery of electronic appliances and the rehabilitation of highways and roads are still missing.

Last month, Agatha, a Category 2 hurricane, struck Mexico’s Pacific coast. Many victims were swept away by floods or buried by mudslides. Alejandro Murat, Oaxaca Governor, declared a state emergency in 31 municipalities as four people went missing. Agatha damaged around 17,000 homes, according to preliminary results of a census conducted by groups of the Ministry of Well-Being. Murat mentioned that the agricultural sector was severely affected, as well, as 80,000ha of coffee fields were damaged. 

Mayan Train construction. The National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) approved the construction of the Mayan Train, Sections 1,2 and 3. Diego Prieto, Director of INAH, informed that construction works have been cleared and that the Institution is working on complementary works regarding archeological salvage and protection. Moreover, he clarified that the Mayan Train will be close to the Ichkabal archeological site but it will not pass through it.

Despite INAH’s and López Obrador’s endorsement, Section 5 South of the project still faces resistance from communities as it could damage the karst landscapes and the integrity of cenotes. The project could also lead to significant deforestation, while risking archeological and paleontological remains. Following the suspension of the project's construction by a federal judge in May 2022, the National Fund for the Promotion of Tourism (FONATUR) and the Ministry of the Environment (SEMARNAT) published the project’s Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) to continue with the projects construction.

As part of the attempts to reactivate construction, federal authorities called for a consultation to assess the project's viability. However, civil organizations said the consultation process was found to be lacking substantial information.

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