Among the missions of diplomat Ricardo Zúñiga, is to monitor compliance with the goals in the fight against corruption in El Salvador
This Wednesday afternoon, Joe Biden’s government envoy for Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador will hold a meeting with the Attorney General of the Republic, Raúl Melara, and the head of the International Commission Against Impunity in El Salvador (CICIES), Ronalth Ochaeta.
One of the main missions of the diplomat in charge of the Northern Triangle will be to monitor progress in the fight against corruption in these countries. This fight against the abuse of public resources is one of the priorities of the Biden administration, which sees this practice as one of the main triggers for irregular migration as it diverts resources needed to meet the needs of the most vulnerable populations.
The Bukele administration has been reported to have signs of corruption, particularly in the acquisition of medical equipment and basic goods during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, the administration has made efforts to hide and reserve details of public spending, as well as tie hands with the Institute for Access to Public Information and obstruct audits by the Court of Auditors of the Republic.
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That is why, on the first day in El Salvador, he will meet with two key players in the fight against corruption.
Currently, the Attorney General’s Office is investigating some of these indications and has even committed violations of domicile in the Ministry of Health. At the time, prosecutor Melara even said the CICIES had sent him information about alleged illicit purchases.
In fact, in March it transpired that the CICIES had sent the Public Prosecutor’s Office three warnings for alleged corruption in the public administration. All cases referred by the Commission are for alleged illicit negotiations and are under investigation. It is not detailed which public institutions are involved in the illicit cases.
Currently, there is a proposal to move to the CICIES framework agreement for legislative endorsement and provide the commission with more independence and teeth to better investigate corruption.
This Zúñiga meeting comes at the end of a two-day visit to Guatemala, where he met with President Alejandro Giammattei and numerous cabinet members. Here, he stressed that the rule of law and democratic governance are central axes of Joe Biden’s policy in the region.
In addition, he held three working tables: one on security and the fight against smuggling, another on economic opportunities, and one on migration.