The United States Bans Former President of Guatemala for Corruption
The United States has taken a significant step in its fight against corruption in Central America by announcing that it is banning the former president of Guatemala, Alejandro Giammattei, from entering the country. The decision comes as the State Department has cited “credible information” indicating that Giammattei accepted bribes during his tenure, undermining the rule of law and government transparency.
Giammattei handed over power to Congress in the early hours of last Monday, and the new president, Bernardo Arévalo, has expressed a commitment to fighting corruption. Giammattei left office amid a severe political crisis as the Prosecutor’s Office, close to the previous government, tried multiple times to withdraw his immunity.
Just hours before the ban on Giammattei was announced, the U.S. government also imposed a similar measure against Alberto Pimentel Mata, the former Minister of Energy of Guatemala. Pimentel Mata was accused of using his position to obtain bribes from the mining sector and facilitating government contracts and licenses.
The State Department has emphasized the importance of holding those who abuse their positions for personal gain accountable, as these actions undermine public trust in government institutions. President Biden’s Administration believes that corruption and undemocratic actions are fundamental causes of irregular migration from Central America to the United States, in addition to economic problems and crime.
The U.S. did not specify whether Pimentel has properties or assets, or what they are. The former Minister of Energy and Mining, who resigned from his position in July 2023, was accused of being involved in several acts of corruption related to government contracts and the granting of licenses. He was also alleged to have accepted significant sums of money to facilitate access to permits necessary for private companies to operate in the energy and mining sector in Guatemala.
These sanctions against Giammattei and Pimentel Mata join nearly 400 visa restrictions or sanctions that the Biden Administration has imposed on Guatemalans in the last three years. Officials, businessmen, and their family members have been targeted for their involvement in corrupt activities or attempts to undermine democracy in the Central American country.
The U.S. called on the people of Guatemala to continue their fight to promote greater transparency, accountability, and government integrity within their system. The State Department expects that these measures will further demonstrate the U.S. commitment to promoting these values and holding corrupt actors accountable.