New Murders of Social Leaders in Colombia Raise Concerns About Security in the Country
Both murders reflect an alarming pattern of violence against social leaders in Colombia, where the presence of illegal armed groups and the social control they exert create a climate of insecurity. Feb 7, 2025 Photo: Cubadebate
February 7, 2025 Hour: 9:20 pm
On the other hand, James Tomás Guanga Quelal, a young indigenous Awá leader from the Pialapi Pueblo Viejo Reserve, was also murdered by hitmen while traveling in a vehicle with his partner, who was injured.
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The Institute for Development and Peace Studies (Indepaz) has reported the murder of two social leaders in Colombia, Didier de Armas Sierra and James Tomás Guanga Quelal, raising the total number of leaders killed this year to 17.
Didier de Armas Sierra, a prominent civic and community leader from the Ciudadela 29 de Julio neighborhood in Santa Marta, was killed in an incident that, according to local reports, occurred during a fight with a neighbor with whom he had previous conflicts.
De Armas had represented Santa Marta at various national congresses as a councilman from 2016 to 2019 and, in 2024, was working as a public servant in the Treasury Department of the Santa Marta mayor’s office.
The Ombudsman’s Office had issued early warnings about the risks faced by social leaders in this region, highlighting the presence of armed groups that impose rules and social control, which increases violence and vulnerability for those who defend human rights.
On the other hand, James Tomás Guanga Quelal, a young indigenous Awá leader from the Pialapi Pueblo Viejo Reserve, was also murdered by hitmen while traveling in a vehicle with his partner, who was injured.
Guanga was part of the Association of Traditional Indigenous Authorities Cabildo Mayor AWÁ of Ricaurte, and his death underscores the serious risks faced by indigenous communities in the country.
The Ombudsman’s Office had also issued specific alerts to protect indigenous peoples and human rights defenders.
Both murders reflect an alarming pattern of violence against social leaders in Colombia, where the presence of illegal armed groups and the social control they exert create a climate of insecurity.
The reports from Indepaz and the Ombudsman’s Office emphasize the urgent need for effective measures to protect those who work in defense of human rights and social leadership in the country.
Autor: MLM
Fuente: Indepaz
