Fighting for life: The dangers faced by social leaders in Cartagena and Bolívar

Social leaders Ronald Gomez, Billy Smith Salgado and Herney Arrieta were all killed in the department of Bolívar since August 2023.

Article written by Mariana Herrera, Carolina Moya & María Alejandra Piedrahita

The Department of Bolívar is one of the thirty-two departments that, together with Bogotá, Capital District, make up the territory of the Republic of Colombia. It is a coastal department in northern Colombia, and it's known for its rich colonial history and its cultural and touristic importance due to places like Cartagena. However, in recent times, the department of Bolívar has been exposed to constant violence with a legacy traced to the armed conflict, thus affecting the local communities due to a series of tragic incidents. These confrontations highlight the precarious nature of life that many Colombian citizens  face nowadays, particularly those involved in social activism. Those involved in social activism, often referred to as social leaders in Colombia, have become frequent victims of armed groups and other agents who view those representing the interests of local communities as obstacles to their economic ventures. Since 2016, over 1,500 social leaders have been murdered throughout Colombia according to Indepaz. This article is going to explore this worrying situation by focusing on the department of Bolívar. Specifically, it will look at three recent cases from the department, each of them representing a unique aspect of the challenges the residents constantly face.  

Before looking at these cases in detail, it is necessary to have a better insight into the situation, and it is important to focus on the general panorama in the department of Bolivar. The disparities between the city of Cartegena and the neglected south of the department are evident. While Cartagena has seen significant development in touristic areas such as the “Walled City” and Boca Grande, the south of the department often faces issues of poverty, lack of infrastructure, and limited access to basic services. The armed conflict has also had a hugely damaging impact on the department. According to the final report of the Truth Commission, Bolívar was the second department in the country most affected by forced displacement. Some 631,276 people had to leave their territories between 1985 and 2016 due to threats from armed groups in the area, leaving a lasting and harmful legacy: 

"Forced displacement causes the disruption of the way of life of the victims, who must start over and rebuild their lives, often in marginal neighborhoods of cities or in areas of armed conflict, in unprotected conditions. The loss of ways of life, fundamentally peasant identities, productive possibilities and cultural dynamics, has been a catastrophe that, although it has been known in the country, is silent, especially in terms of its social effects, says the report" (Gonzalez, 2022). However, despite the disparities in general between the capital and the south of the department, it is necessary to outline the inequalities and levels of marginalization within Cartagena itself, as these disparities are also palpable. According to DANE, moderate poverty increased in Cartagena, going from 42.5% in 2021 to 43.6% in 2022, which means that for some 16,172 people, Cartagena's economic situation worsened. The same panorama is visible in extreme monetary poverty, which went from 10.1% in 2021 to 12.7% in 2022, that is, some 28,239 additional people are in this condition. In a situation like this, with marginalization and dangers faced in both the neglected south of  the department and within Cartagena, leaders are needed to address these problems and work to improve the living conditions of residents. However, these leaders also face dangers due to violence and instability in the region, making their task even more challenging.  

The danger faced by those involved in activism is exemplified in the case of Ronald Gomez, a champeta musician and a political figure in Cartagena. The social leader was shot dead as he spoke with a colleague at a party. This case sheds light on the dangers faced by those who advocate for cultural expression and community empowerment. The brutal nature of his killing, occurring during a social gathering, underscores the pervasive threat of violence even in seemingly ordinary events and situations. This case serves as a stark reminder of the risk's individuals take when they stand up for their beliefs and support their communities. In contexts where political violence is prevalent, as it sadly is throughout much of Colombia and particularly at certain times, figures such as Ronald are left in a precarious situation. Ronald, for example, was involved in politics, as he worked as a counselor in Tolú for the AICO party. This political party represents indigenous interests throughout Colombia, adding another factor of danger for an activist such as Ronald since indigenous social leaders make up more than a quarter of all social leaders killed since 2016 (Indepaz). It can be controversial expressing dissent, and political activists may face threats due to the context in which they are working. Furthermore, Ronald was a visible figure in the world of music, playing an active role in the picó sound system scene which is hugely popular in the Caribbean region and particularly in Cartagena.  This point may represent another factor of peril in the case of Ronald as over the past years, this scene has increasingly faced problems caused by criminal groups demanding protection money in cases of extortion (El Heraldo). The targeting of individuals like Gómez not only silences the voices of cultural and political expression but also provokes fear in the ones that want to stand up against these injustices. Despite the dangers associated with representation of communities within marginalized sectors of the city, young leaders continue to emerge, but they too have been victims of violence. 

   Considering the previous paragraph, younger leaders are necessary for the growth and development of marginalized urban communities. Frustratingly, some younger leaders are cut down before they can reach their potential.  Billy Smith Salgado was a young pharmacy assistant student who was involved in leading and organizing the sporting events of the community action board in the neighborhood of La Candelaria. He was known and respected in his community. Billy’s tragic death was due to a robbery while traveling along a busy street in his neighborhood. Billy was shot and left to die in the middle of the avenue.  This case paints a picture that shows the vulnerability of young people in urban areas. His murder sheds light on the dangers faced by those who advocate for cultural expression and community empowerment in contexts where insecurity and impunity reigns.  This case shows a striking example of the inherent dangers that individuals face when they try to advocate for their communities. For many victims of crime against social leaders, violence tends to occur in remote rural areas, often under the control of illegal armed groups. However, within larger cities such as Cartagena, certain sectors also suffer disproportionately from a sense of insecurity, where informal crime and criminal gangs are a fact of life.  This can be exemplified in the statistics collected from citizens. According to the webpage Cartagena Como Vamos, in November 2021, the 'My Voice Virtual Survey' in Cartagena found that 79% felt unsafe city-wide, with 70% feeling unsafe in their neighborhoods. 71% attributed this to crime, with thefts and homicides mentioned. Crime victimization rose slightly from August to November 2021 (32% to 35%). There are concerns about underreported crime due to perceptions of a slow and untrustworthy justice system (n.d). While cities like Cartagena demonstrate the dangers faced by leaders due to both opposition to their activism and a sense of insecurity in general, the situation in the south of the department is distinct, and even more complex.  

Herney Arrieta Meza's story delves into the dangers faced by social leaders in rural areas, particularly those who confront criminal elements. Herney was a social leader found dead on the afternoon of Sunday, August 13th, 2023, in the rural area of Montecristo, south of Bolívar. He had been a spokesperson and guide for the residents of the township who were tired of the abuses of the Gaitanista Self-Defense Forces, a multi-crime organization which developed from the former AUC paramilitaries and operates in that sector. His abduction and subsequent murder emphasize the risks associated with speaking out against organized  crime, by supporting and standing up for community rights. The killing of Herney Arrieta further highlights the complex dynamics of power and violence in this region. The southern region of Bolívar is a crucial nerve center for the department, impacting other areas like southern Cesar, southern Santander, and parts of Antioquia. Many observers struggle to explain the persistent cycles of violence and the State's inability to establish territorial control, despite the presence of five battalions from the public forces and the police in urban zones. Currently, organizations like the ELN operate in southern Bolívar, specifically controlling the mining sector in the Serranía de San Lucas. Additionally, the Gulf Clan (a vast criminal organisation who refer to themselves as the Autodefensas Gaitanistas de Colombia, or the AGC) is active in areas like Tiquisio and its vicinity, along with splinter factions of the former FARC. This case reveals the urgent need for enhanced security measures and support for grassroots activists like Herney, who are left in a dangerous position simply for trying to do what is best for their communities. The article titled Community leadership and its importance in community intervention states that community leaders embody the community's needs, facilitating organization, expression, and participation. This prevents intervention that treats individuals as passive. In this context, leadership takes on unique nuances, emerging from grassroots leaders representing the community. This communal representation defines a leader; if they diverge from collective interests, they lose legitimacy. Leadership, as noted, must think not for or without the masses, but alongside them (Moreno, 2008). While such a description does a good job of explaining the importance of community leadership, the fact remains that such work is incredibly dangerous in contexts where illegal groups exercise effective control over territories. According to the Defensoría del Pueblo, or the Ombudsman’s Office: 

"The presence of the Gaitanista Self-Defense Forces of Colombia (AGC) is the main threat to the human rights of the residents, who, affected by the criminal dynamics of this group and social vulnerability, have been exposed to the consequences of possible alliances or disputes with other armed groups part of the conflict such as Los Pachenca, the Costeño Block, and even with organized crime groups,” . While the presence of dangerous actors such as the AGC and the ELN, among others, pose grave threats for the community in general, social leaders such as Herney tend to attract the most attention given the role and status they represent in communities. More needs to be done to protect them. 

Collectively, these cases represent a grim perspective of the challenges and complex situation that individuals and communities are confronting in Cartagena and Bolívar. From cultural leaders to young students and social leaders, no one is immune to the threat of violence and crime. Addressing these issues requires a multi-faceted approach that includes effective law enforcement, community empowerment, and initiatives to tackle the root causes of criminality and its negligence. Only through concerted efforts can these regions hope to create safer environments for their residents. A report from the Defensoria del Pueblo (2024), prepared by its Early Warning System (SAT), ‘‘reveals a panorama of risk, threat and insecurity for those dedicated to promoting and protecting the rights of communities, since during 2023 a total of 181 leaders and human rights defenders in the national territory. Of the total, 160 were men and 21 were women”.  These crimes showcase a range of violence that targets individuals from various backgrounds and for different reasons, yet they share common threads of brutality and tragedy. What ties these stories together is the cycle of violence and impunity that persists  in many regions. The lack of justice for these crimes not only perpetuates fear but also erodes trust in institutions meant to protect citizens. Until meaningful steps are taken to address underlying issues such as inequality, corruption, and lawlessness, these tragic events are likely to continue plaguing communities across the country.  

In conclusion, the challenges outlined in this text related to the department of Bolívar and its capital, Cartagena, demonstrate that the issues of political violence, social inequality, and community activism demand a comprehensive and concerted response. The Department of Bolívar, with its historical significance and cultural vibrancy centered around Cartagena, faces ongoing challenges that directly affect people's lives. The present article focused on the lack of presence of the state, evidenced in the terrible and multiple massacres social leaders suffer all around the country, and it did so by looking specifically at the cases of Ronald Gomez, Billy Smith Salgado and Herney Arrieta in the department of Bolivar. Cartagena is known for tourism, but this community faces a challenging reality in which indiscriminate violence is a constant risk for those who seek social justice and cultural expression as well as those who just want to look for opportunities for their social group.  The disparities between Cartagena's developed areas and the neglected regions within the department underscore the urgent need for inclusive development and equitable distribution of resources. The dangers faced by leaders and activists, exemplified by the cases mentioned, highlight the pervasive threat of political violence and the critical importance of protecting those who strive for positive change. The statistics revealing the insecurity among Cartagena's residents and the involvement of criminal organizations in exacerbating these challenges highlighted the complex nature of the  region's issues. Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach that includes effective law enforcement, community empowerment initiatives, and efforts to address the root causes of crime and neglect. Cartagena and Bolívar stand in a critical situation where concerted efforts must be made to create safer, more inclusive, and sustainable communities. The voices of cultural leaders and young activists echo the urgent need for action and support. By addressing the underlying issues of inequality, violence, and social exclusion, these regions can aspire to a future where all residents can live with dignity, safety, and opportunities for prosperity. Communities must unite in demanding justice, enhanced security measures, and a renewed dedication to creating safer and stronger societies. The enduring memory of these individuals serves as a testament to the continuous effort towards achieving peace and stability in Cartagena and its surroundings. 

References 

Almeida, J. (2023, March 9). ¿Cómo acabar con la pobreza extrema en Cartagena? este es el “plan.”.El Universal. https://www.eluniversal.com.co/cartagena/como-acabar-con-la-pobreza-extrema-en-cartagena-este-es-el-plan-DY8001432 

Andrade, Rodrigo Rojas. (2013). El liderazgo comunitario y su importancia en la intervención comunitaria. Psicología para América Latina, (25), 57-76. http://pepsic.bvsalud.org/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1870-350X2013000200005&lng=pt&tlng=es 

Durante el 2023, en Colombia fueron asesinados 181 Líderes Sociales y defensores de derechos humanos. Defensoría. (2024, January 9). https://www.defensoria.gov.co/-/durante-el-2023-en-colombia-fueron-asesinados-181-l%C3%ADderes-sociales-y-defensores-de-derechos-humanos 

En Cartagena no se adoptaron medidas para Evitar El Escalamiento de un conflicto advertido por la defensoría del pueblo. Defensoría. (2024, January 17). https://www.defensoria.gov.co/-/en-cartagena-no-se-adoptaron-medidas-para-evitar-el-escalamiento-de-un-conflicto-advertido-por-la-defensor%C3%ADa-del-pueblo 

Ortega, J. (2022, July 3). Las heridas que dejó el conflicto armado en bolívar. www.eluniversal.com.co. https://www.eluniversal.com.co/regional/bolivar/las-heridas-que-dejo-el-conflicto-armado-en-bolivar-AB6773938 

Prins, I. J. B., & Comunicaciones. (2023, April 5). ¿Qué pasa con la seguridad en Cartagena?. Cartagena Cómo Vamos. https://cartagenacomovamos.org/que-pasa-con-la-seguridad-en-cartagena/