Coup d'etat?

I did not report what happened in Curuguaty, away to the north-east of Paraguay a few days ago because I considered it too messy to put on my blog.

Some campesinos invaded some private land on a huge ranch and set up camps. They are demanding that the government confiscates land from the landowner and that they should be given land to farm and to put up homes. They claim that the land had been taken from them during President Stroessner's dictatorship.

The police were sent in and as a result seven policemen and several campesinos were killed during a shootout. More than a hundred people were injured, some badly, including some police.

Since then the country has been unsettled and there has been a movement against  President Lugo, claiming that he has not fulfilled his manifesto for the poor campesinos. The opposing party in parliament said that Lugo did not act quickly enough to control the situation in Curuguaty.

Today Congress demanded the resignation of Lugo or they would impeach him. He has refused to resign and tomorrow he will face "political justice" in front of Congress.

Throughout the day campesinos have been on their way into Asuncion, some against the President, but many to support him.  Several thousand will be arriving here early tomorrow morning. (One can't help wondering who is financing their transportation.) Police plan to stop them en route to take away any weapons from them. They were seen tonight brandishing machetes.

We received a warning in school this morning to send the children home. The government announced that schools would be closed at midday as trouble is expected.

Extra police have been drafted into the capital. They have been checking documentation as people come into the square in front of the Congress building.

All day the crowds have been slowly growing outside Parliament as demonstrators arrive. There have already been some altercations.

The senate met this afternoon. They have demanded that Lugo will appear in front of Congress tomorrow at midday. He will be given two and a half hours to defend himself against being thrown out of power. They are going to outline the accusations against him at 6.00 p.m this evening.

The final result of Congress deliberations will be given tomorrow afternoon at 4.30 p.m. It remains to be seen whether we will be in school tomorrow.

Countries across South America have expressed their dismay that democracy appears to be breaking down in Paraguay. Representatives from other countries have said that they believe that this is an orchestrated attempt at a coup d'etat by the opposing Colorado party. There has been a lot of speculation about how this has all reached this point and who is behind it all.

Paraguayans love a good demonstration with lots of shouting. So far things are under good control but there are some angry and vociferous people out there. If Lugo is deposed anything could happen. Many people are against a return to dictatorship.

We need your prayers that things will not escalate and that God's Will will be done without anymore bloodshed. (I remember the 1999 riots when some people were killed). Please pray for the fragile democracy in Paraguay to prevail.