Top Officials Resign in Honduras Amidst Major Corruption Scandal

Honduras is rocked by scandal as key relatives of President Xiomara Castro resign amid a sweeping drug-trafficking investigation, raising serious concerns over the government’s integrity.

At a Glance

Two family members of Honduras’s President Xiomara Castro resigned amid a probe into alleged drug trafficking ties.
José Manuel Zelaya Rosales, Castro’s nephew, resigned as Defense Minister.
Carlos Zelaya, Castro’s brother-in-law, resigned as lawmaker and secretary of the Honduran Parliament.
Zelaya admitted to meeting Juan Ramón Matta Waldurraga, son of a notorious drug trafficker, in 2013.
President Castro recently terminated Honduras’s extradition treaty with the U.S.
U.S. Ambassador Laura Dogu expressed concerns over a meeting between Zelaya Rosales and Venezuela’s Defense Minister.

Resignations Amid Scandal

Two relatives of Honduran President Xiomara Castro have resigned amid an expanding drug-trafficking probe. José Manuel Zelaya Rosales, Castro’s nephew, resigned from his position as Defense Minister. Carlos Zelaya, Castro’s brother-in-law, also stepped down from his roles as lawmaker and secretary of the Honduran Parliament. The resignations have raised eyebrows and cast a shadow over the current administration’s stated anti-corruption measures.

Carlos Zelaya’s resignation comes with significant implications. He admitted to meeting with Juan Ramón Matta Waldurraga, the son of a notorious drug trafficker, in 2013. According to Carlos Zelaya, the meeting was about a campaign contribution that was never received, a claim that throws another wrench into the already complex investigation. “I am convinced that the meeting was recorded, I fell into the trap, I assume my responsibility.”

The Secretary of the National Congress Carlos Zelaya, the brother of former President Manuel Zelaya, admits to meeting with Honduran drug traffickers in 2013. This information had already been disclosed in NY trials. Zelaya says he will resign from Congress.

His admission comes… https://t.co/cQqYdoaoVs

— Honduras Now (@HondurasNow) August 31, 2024

Extradition Treaty Controversy

The resignations occur in tandem with President Castro’s controversial decision to terminate Honduras’s extradition treaty with the United States. The treaty, which had been in place for over a century, has seen 64 Hondurans extradited since 2014. The termination has garnered criticism, with many interpreting the move as an attempt to protect Castro’s family. U.S. Ambassador Laura Dogu also voiced concerns about a recent meeting between José Manuel Zelaya Rosales and Venezuela’s Defense Minister.

The move to end the treaty has sparked various analyses and speculations. Political Analyst Jorge Yllesca suggested that the actions were intended to protect government officials and align with anti-U.S. geopolitics. Furthermore, Sociologist Pablo Carías suggested that the treaty’s cancellation implies close ties between government officials and the drug trade.

Juan Orlando Hernández, Former President of Honduras, Indicted on Drug-Trafficking and Firearms Charges, Extradited to the United States from Hondurashttps://t.co/27sxr3AUd7

— U.S. Department of Justice (@TheJusticeDept) April 21, 2022

Public Disillusionment

The President’s decision and the resignations have fueled public frustration. Many Hondurans are disillusioned, seeing Castro’s government as no different from previous administrations beset by corruption. “We thought that corruption would end with Xiomara Castro because they were supposed to be different from previous governments, but they have turned out to be the same or worse,” said 44-year-old Gabriel Hernández.

Visiting the U.S., #Honduran President Hernandez met with Acting Administrator Dhillon to further build upon the relationship with the #DEA, as we work jointly to combat drug trafficking. #DEA thanks @JuanOrlandoH and looks forward to our continued partnership with Honduras. pic.twitter.com/8c9jvXgFtm

— DEA HQ (@DEAHQ) March 1, 2019

The Road Ahead

This scandal brings to light the daunting challenges Honduras faces in combating corruption and drug trafficking. With ongoing structural issues like unemployment, economic turmoil, and gang violence, the government’s ability to implement long-term reforms remains in question. President Castro’s pledge to “pull Honduras out of the abyss we have been buried in by neoliberalism, a narco-dictator, and corruption” is now under more scrutiny than ever.

Honduras stands at a critical juncture, as the government’s next moves will be pivotal in restoring confidence among its citizens and international allies. Whether President Castro can navigate this storm and prove her commitment to fighting corruption will be closely watched.