Twelve people died and more than 1,000 were arrested during a week of opposition protests led by the anti-government Democratic Unity Movement (MUD). The government has described the protests as ‘terrorism’ and US-encouraged. Despite enormous economic hardship, the government continues to maintain the support of a loyal segment of the population, which it has mobilised in counterdemonstrations. The current situation presents risks to both the government and its opponents.
Accounts of violence will remain controversial as pro- and anti-government groups battle for domestic and international support.
External actors will remain divided and indecisive as to the most appropriate intervention.
The onus will remain on the MUD, which must determine consensual next steps to prevent its campaign from once again fragmenting.
