The United States is designating former Honduran President Porfirio "Pepe" Lobo Sosa (Lobo) and former First Lady Rosa Elena Bonilla Avila (Rosa Lobo) due to their involvement in significant corruption. While in office, President Lobo accepted bribes from the narco-trafficking organization Los Cachiros in exchange for political favors. As First Lady, Rosa Lobo engaged in significant corruption through fraud and misappropriation of public funds for her personal benefit. While their corrupt acts undermined the stability of Honduras' democratic institutions, former President Lobo has not yet been convicted and Rosa Lobo has been released from prison awaiting a retrial.
These designations are made under Section 7031(c) of the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2021. Under this authority, designated officials of foreign governments involved in significant corruption and their immediate family members are ineligible for entry into the United States. I am also announcing the designation of the following members of the Lobos' immediate family: their son, Fabio Porfirio Lobo; their daughter, Ambar Naydee Lobo Bonilla; and the Lobos' minor child.
These designations reaffirm U.S. commitment to combating the corruption and disregard for the rule of law that hinders progress in Honduras. The Department will continue to use all available tools to promote accountability for corrupt actors and combat impunity in the region and globally.
