This is a time of heightened political struggle in Oaxaca City. Tensions have escalated beginning with the annual teacher's strike in May 2006, exacerbated by the government sending troops into the zócalo with teargas on June 14th. For those who may not know, the Oaxaca Teachers Union is a powerful and occasionally violent political force that has engaged the state government in numerous disputes over the years, not just over pay and working conditions. This year they are calling for the removal of Ruiz, the governor of Oaxaca, from office. The conflict has attracted fringe groups of various reputations who are joining in the festivities of taking over radio stations, blocking off thoroughfares with burning busses and smoldering tires, and painting graffiti in the city's historical district. A new organization called the APPO, the Popular Assembly of the People of Oaxaca in English, has formed and has further demands. There seems to be little doubt that serious corruption exists in the govenor's office and probably in its detractors as well. There are typically so many twists to a Mexican political story that even the participants are largely in the dark, which makes it difficult for outsiders to even comment.
Effective September 2, 2006, the teachers are no longer receiving salaries, so this may grease the wheels of settlement. Effective September 4, 2006, the protesters are to remove blockages from the zócalo area as a step to resolution of the conflict. Local businesses are organizing to clean up the protest-generated graffiti without waiting for government action.
See the article An August Day in Oaxaca for a feel for the situation.
As of October 2, 2006, prospects of a peaceful solution are dimming. Negotations have stalled and the Army is moving troops and equipment into Oaxaca. Barricades remain in the streets of Oaxaca and the APPO is bracing for a possible altercation with government forces.
On October 27, 2006, shots were exchanged between protestors and uniformed gunmen, possibly local officials, who were attempted to remove one of the blockades. An American journalist was killed, as well as two local residents. This has evidently changed President Fox's mind about sending in federal troops. The Oaxaca airport was closed to commercial traffic and large numbers of federal police have arrived on transport planes.
On October 29, 2006, federal troups, estimated in the thousands, marched to the zócalo from all sides using water cannons and heavily armed soldiers in riot gear. They began clearing hundreds of barracades. Protestors responded by setting fire to buses and other materials. By nightfall, the historic district has largely been reclaimed. Fortunately, the violence did not become deadly, at least on a large scale. Two deaths were reported as a result of this confrontation, 9 deaths over the last several months.
This would probably not be a good time to visit the city of Oaxaca. However, with the strong influx of federal forces this may soon change. The many outlying towns and tourist attractions are relatively safe to visit. The U.S. Department of State has issued a public announcement dated 10/30/06 that expires 11/15/06.
For other news releases, you might check Mexidata.
These events do no impact outlying areas or the coastal communities. I plan to visit Puerto Escondido for the annual Fiestas de Noviembre.