Illegal Armed Group Must Release Kidnapped Indigenous Leader

The Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA) urges that the illegal armed group, presumably the National Liberation Army (ELN), who kidnapped indigenous René Alfonzo Garavito, release him. Mr. Garavito, who resides in Fortul Municipality (Arauca), is an active member of the Indigenous Reserve Cusay la Colorada. He forms part of the Association of Traditional Capitanias of Arauca (ASOCATA), an organization of the CENPAZ coalition.

ASOCATA belongs to the Makaguan people, one of the four distinctive Indigenous tribes of the Arauca Department. Mr. Garavito left his house on September 20, 2024. He has not communicated with any of his loved ones since. It is believed that the kidnapping took place as he traveled between Tame (Arauca Department) and Hato Corozal (Casanare Department). According to members of his family, he is being held by the ELN. Members of the Indigenous reserve spotted him being moved from one area to another in chains by members of this illegal armed group.

We urge the members of the peace table for the ELN talks, the processes’ guarantor countries, international agencies, and organizations to denounce this violation and to act to secure Mr. Garavito’s release. The illegal armed group must release Mr. Garavito unharmed. These crimes against Afro–descendant, Indigenous, and other civilians are unacceptable. Earlier in 2024, the ELN kidnapped and released weeks later Afro–Colombian leader John Jairo Jimenez. CENPAZ. Such actions only obstruct peace negotiations and demobilization. They turn national and international actors off from supporting politically negotiated
solutions to internal armed conflicts.