Honduras transparency body may fail to meet demands

Subject

A new anti-corruption body has been put in place in Honduras.

Significance

On January 19, the Organization of American States (OAS) signed an agreement with Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez to set up an anti-corruption mission in the country. The mission, known as the Mission for Support against Corruption and Impunity in Honduras (MACCIH), will work to improve the judicial process with particular focus on anti-corruption cases.

Impacts

• The MACCIH is likely to trigger protests by groups who wanted a different type of international mission.
• Vested interests within the state will see attempts to divert the mission's attention to corruption networks outside of state institutions.
• Cleaning up and training the judiciary will be a key aim for the MACCIH, but will be met with resistance from long-serving judges.
• The failure of the MACCIH could undermine the credibility of the OAS both within Honduras and more widely.