UN's anti-corruption efforts in Guatemala at risk

The future of the UN commission to fight corruption in Guatemala, CICIG, stands in doubt after President Jimmy Morales refused to renew the body's mandate last Friday, claiming improper interference in internal matters of the country.

That mandate is set to expire at the end of 2018.

The US embassy in Guatemala responded to Morales' announcement in a statement, saying, "As many senior U.S. officials have stated, we believe that CICIG is an effective and important partner in fighting impunity, improving governance, and holding the corrupt accountable in Guatemala. The United States will continue to support Guatemala's fight against corruption and impunity, and views this fight as an integral part of the U.S. - Guatemala bilateral relationship."

The move by Morales comes just over a year after he attempted to expel the head of the commission, Iván Velásquez, sparking a political crisis that continues to unfold.

Last month, Guatemala's supreme court upheld a petition from the CICIG and federal prosecutors to ask congress to remove Morales' presidential immunity on alleged campaign finance violations.

Similar allegations were brought before congress last September, after the failed removal of Velásquez; however, legislators at that time voted to preserve the immunity.

Morales has been fierce in his opposition to CICIG's efforts, suggesting in comments that the commission had sewn the seeds of "judicial terror."

Saying that the accusation against him, made through diplomatic channels, entailed selective criminal prosecution and evident ideological bias, Morales added, "This act violates our laws, international law and international principles and rules and practices, as well as the CICIG's mandate," as cited by Nicaraguan daily El Nuevo Diario.

Pictured: A man holds a Guatemalan flag and sign with the picture of Iván Velásquez reading "Get out Ivan" outside the CICIG headquarters on August 31.