Colombia: Urgent Updates January 2025

WOLA

Team WOLA

Governor of Chocó’s Caravan Attacked

On January 12, 2025, armed men intimidated, attacked, and shot at a caravan that included the Governor of the Chocó, Nubia Carolina Córdoba. The incident occurred in La Troje, a town in the rural part of Quibdó. Governor Córdoba has openly advocated for peace and human rights in her embattled Chocó Department. This area faces numerous security challenges: the Gaitanist Army of Colombia (Ejército Gaitanista de Colombia, EGC/Clan del Golfo) de facto controls much of the upper part of the Department bordering Panama. Simultaneously, the National Liberation Army (ELN), EGC, and FARC dissidents dispute other areas of the department. in the capital city of Quibdó and its and surrounding areas, illegal urban armed groups are battling for control. While some of these illegal armed groups are engaged in a socio-juridical table that seeks their demobilization, extortion, crime, and violence continue. Internal displacements, restrictions on freedom of movement or confinements, and humanitarian crises continue due to the activities of these groups, including the imposition of armed strikes. The human rights situation remains dire, yet few denounce specific incidents due to fear of retribution and a lack of security guarantees. In this context, Colombia’s national government must take every step possible to guarantee the safety and security of Governor Córdoba, her inner circle, and her family.

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