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Article written by Shadia Arango, Maria Isabel Mariano & Josue Urueta
The situation of social leaders in Colombia is critical, as they face significant risks and violence while advocating for their communities. Orbegozo (2021) implies that social leaders are typically understood as local activists representing various civil organizations, such as community councils or action boards. They also include human rights and environmental activists who mobilize communities, implement policies, and demand state services in their territories. Their role is crucial in initiating and sustaining collective action within their communities. Some data sources, such as Reliefweb (2024), mention that, in 2023, 168 social leaders and human rights defenders were killed, and there were 1,732 recorded attacks against them from 2022 to March 2024. According to Human Rights Watch (2024), there have been over 1,700 social leaders murdered in Colombia since the 2016 peace agreement with the FARC guerrilla group. The violence is particularly acute in rural regions, areas that have long suffered from an absence of true state presence. This situation is repeated across nearly all 32 departments in Colombia.
One such example is the department of Bolívar, where the presence of armed groups has meant a long legacy of violence associated with the armed conflict and has led to an alarming increase in displacement. In 2023, 145,049 individuals were displaced nationwide, with Bolívar experiencing a 94% increase compared to the previous year (International Committee of the Red Cross, 2024). As stated by Indepaz (2024), in Colombia, the departments with the highest number of social leader murders are Cauca (27 deaths) and Valle del Cauca (17 deaths), with Cauca consistently reported as the most dangerous region for social activism. Bolívar ranks third in this grim tally, where 8 social leaders have been murdered during the same period. This alarming trend highlights the ongoing violence and risks faced by those advocating for human rights and social justice in these regions, particularly in areas heavily influenced by armed groups and criminal organizations, reflecting the persistent threats to human rights defenders in Colombia's most volatile territories. This text will explore this dynamic by focusing on the admiral work and tragic murder of one such leader.
The challenges faced by social leaders in Colombia are exemplified by Narciso Beleño, a leader born in San Martín de Loba, in the rural heart of Bolívar. Beleño grew up working as a farmer and muleteer, confronting the hardships that rural communities endure from an early age. His awareness of the injustices and neglect suffered by his community drove him to action in the 1990s, when he organized and founded Agromisbol, later known as ‘Federación Agrominera del Sur de Bolívar’ (Fedeagrobismol). According to the National Center for Historical Memory (2024), Fedeagrobismol is now one of the oldest and most significant organizations in the Magdalena Medio region, with over twenty years of advocacy for peasant rights. Fedeagrobismol, composed mainly of peasants and artisanal miners, operates across nine municipalities in southern Bolívar, from Cantagallo to Tiquisio. It is structured into four subregions, or zonal teams, to enhance its territorial reach and advocacy efforts. This structure enables Fedeagrobismol to represent and support local communities in defending their rights against threats from large-scale mining and armed groups. Over the years, the organization has emerged as a powerful symbol of resistance and a space for regional and national dialogue, participating in events like the Congress of Peoples and establishing the Southern Bolívar Interlocution Commission, a critical platform for dialogue between peasant communities and the national government.
The historical context of Bolívar is marked by conflict and violence stemming from armed groups vying for territorial control. Narciso Beleño was deeply involved in processes that advocated for agrarian reform and defended peasant rights against these threats. Under his leadership, Fedeagrobismol became a stronghold against large-scale mining operations that threatened both the environment and local communities. Beleño’s public denunciations against illegal mining practices and the extortion imposed by armed groups reflect his commitment to social justice. Fedeagrobismol’s areas of focus reflect Narciso Beleño's vision for the fundamental rights of his community: the defense of land and territory, the right to a dignified life, the preservation of historical memory, human rights, and environmental respect against extractive practices. It is pertinent to highlight that this vision aligns closely with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 16 on promoting peace, justice, and strong institutions; SDG 1 on ending poverty; SDG 5 on achieving gender equality; SDG 11 on fostering inclusivity; and SDG 13 on combating climate change. Social leaders like Beleño play a crucial role in advocating for these goals within their communities by promoting human rights while also pushing for sustainable practices that protect their environment. They represent fundamental pillars of cohesion and commitment at the local, regional, and national levels.
In recent years, under Beleño's leadership as president, Fedeagrobismol has become a stronghold of resistance against large-scale mining, particularly gold extraction, which threatens to devastate both the environment and the social fabric of southern Bolívar. It is important to distinguish between the types of resource exploitation that exist in the department of Bolívar—such as artisanal, ancestral, and informal mining—in order to understand the role that communities play. Artisanal mining, in particular, is a small-scale activity based on traditional, manual practices, in which local communities extract resources in a limited manner and without heavy machinery, thus reducing its environmental impact and supporting the livelihoods of these populations. This practice is quite different from large-scale mining, which is typically controlled by large companies and involves the use of heavy machinery, toxic chemicals, and invasive techniques to extract substantial amounts of minerals. Unlike artisanal mining, large-scale mining has a significant environmental impact, leading to issues such as river pollution, deforestation, and the displacement of communities, profoundly disrupting the ecological and social balance of the region. There is also the issue of illegal mining, which differs from large-scale mining in its lack of formal approval and in terms of scale. However, this practice also causes a huge amount of environmental damage as it employs similar approaches to the practice of extraction in terms of its use of heavy machinery and chemicals such as mercury in its process. While mining represents a clear threat to the environment, residents in the region also face danger due to armed actors.
Resource exploitation is not the only issue in the region; there is also the presence of armed groups like the Gulf Clan/AGC, dissidents of the demobilized FARC, and the ELN, which are currently vying for territorial control. These illegal organizations seek to dominate this strategically located and resource-rich area, which connects the Caribbean, Antioquia, and eastern Colombia. Understanding the implications of this conflict, Narciso Beleño publicly denounced the abuses and extortion faced by communities at the hands of these groups. They not only profit from illegal mining but also impose extortion fees on local miners. According to Vorágine, the ELN and dissidents demand 5% of the extracted gold, while the Gulf Clan/AGC imposes a fee of 15%. Additionally, these groups promote mining in areas that Fedeagrobismol has designated as natural reserves, where mining is prohibited due to its significant ecological and cultural value. Understanding the implications of this conflict, Narciso Beleño publicly denounced the abuses and extortion faced by communities at the hands of these groups. They not only profit from illegal mining but also impose extortion fees on local miners. According to Vorágine, the ELN and dissidents demand 5% of the extracted gold, while the Gulf Clan/AGC imposes a fee of 15%. Additionally, these groups promote mining in areas that Fedeagrobismol has designated as natural reserves, where mining is prohibited due to its significant ecological and cultural value.
In raising his voice against injustice, Narciso Beleño became the target of death threats. Tragically, these threats culminated in his assassination on the night of April 21st, 2024, when he was entering his home in Santa Rosa del Sur. An assailant shot him multiple times, resulting in his death. After the assassination of Narciso, the Colombian Attorney General's Office launched an extensive investigation to identify and prosecute those responsible. This investigation led to the identification of José Alejandro Castro Cadavid as the person behind the crime. Castro Cadavid, a former military officer with ties to the Gulf Clan/AGC, allegedly ordered the murder in retaliation for Beleño's activism against illegal mining in the region. In October 2024, four alleged members of the Gulf Clan were charged with aggravated homicide, illegal possession of firearms, and conspiracy to commit a crime in connection with Beleño's murder. The individuals identified were Nicolás Giraldo Quintero, alias Cartago; Juan Carlos Castaño Cardona, alias Calvo or Paisa; Nelson Fernando Gutiérrez Arismendi, alias Malito or Matón; and Yenifer Barragán Correa. One of the accused, alias "Malito" or "Matón," pleaded guilty to the charges. The remaining three are awaiting trial. The legal process regarding Beleño's murder is ongoing, and authorities continue to investigate the extent of the Gulf Clan's involvement in the crime (RCN, 2024).
The case of Narciso Beleño highlights several critical points that warrant a profound reflection on the importance of social leaders in social transformation and the challenges they face in Colombia. First, it is essential to address the responsibility of the state. The tragic death of Narciso represents a failure of human rights due to inaction, as public authorities and their agents neglected their responsibility to intervene in situations requiring such attention. This lack of action resulted in insufficient protection measures for at-risk human rights defenders such as Narciso, who need responses tailored to their specific contexts. Furthermore, it is vital to implement policies that ensure the cessation of attacks against these defenders, allowing them to continue their work without fear of reprisals. This is not only a moral imperative but also aligns with Colombia's international obligations regarding human rights, emphasizing the need for a genuine commitment from the state to protect those who tirelessly advocate for justice and the respect of everyone's rights.
Despite figures like Narciso Beleño emerging as powerful symbols of resistance and advocacy within their communities, their presence alone is insufficient to galvanize widespread action or recognition among Colombians at large. While cases involving social leaders often gain media attention -drawing public outrage- this awareness rarely translates into sustained engagement or significant policy changes at higher levels. Many Colombians remain disconnected from these struggles due to several factors such as urban-rural divides or political apathy toward rural issues. Following the murder of Narciso Beleño, a wave of condemnations swept across Colombia. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights representative in Colombia (2024) swiftly condemned the assassination through social media, acknowledging Beleño's crucial work in defending human rights in San Lucas and called for urgent protection measures for social leaders, highlighting the critical need for greater awareness and action to ensure their safety. As such, it becomes crucial not only to honor leaders like Beleño but also to foster broader societal involvement that transcends individual cases if meaningful progress toward justice and equity is to be achieved.
Narciso Beleño left behind a hugely important legacy and the communities he defended will not forget what he represented. His legacy will hopefully serve as inspiration for new leaders and organizations in the region that will maintain the memory of Beleño for many years to come. His commitment to social justice and environmental protection has ignited a spark among younger generations, encouraging them to continue advocating for their rights and the preservation of their land. The solidarity shown during his funeral and the subsequent gatherings reflect a collective determination to honor his memory by standing against the injustices that plague their communities. This sense of unity is crucial as it fosters resilience among the people of southern Bolívar, inspiring them to organize and mobilize against threats from armed groups and exploitative practices. As new leaders emerge, they carry forward Narciso's vision of a peaceful and equitable society, demonstrating that his legacy transcends his life. If agrarian reform and sustainable development that benefit communities and protect the environment are truly desired at a governmental level, the work of leaders like Narciso and those who continue his struggle needs to be celebrated and their safety guaranteed.
References
Front Line Defenders. (2024). Killing of human rights defender Narciso Beleño. https://www.frontlinedefenders.org/en/case/killing-human-rights-defender-narciso-beleno
Human Rights Watch. (2024). World report 2024: Colombia chapter. https://www.hrw.org/world-report/2024/country-chapters/colombia
Indepaz. (2024). Líderes sociales, defensores de DD. HH y firmantes de acuerdo asesinados en 2024.https://indepaz.org.co/lideres-sociales-defensores-de-dd-hh-y-firmantes-de-acuerdo-asesinados-en-2024/
International Committee of the Red Cross. (2024). The human cost of armed conflicts in Colombia. https://www.icrc.org/en/document/human-cost-armed-conflicts-Colombia
La Vóragine. (2024). Las pruebas contra un coronel (r) del ejército que habría ordenado el asesinato del líder Narciso Beleño. https://voragine.co/historias/investigacion/las-pruebas-contra-un-coronel-r-del-ejercito-que-habria-ordenado-el-asesinato-del-lider-narciso-beleno/
ONU Derechos Humanos Colombia [@ONUHumanRights]. (2024, April 22). Condenamos el asesinato del líder social Narciso Beleño, presidente de la Federación Agrominera del Sur de Bolívar, ocurrido ayer en Santa Rosa del Sur [Tweet]. X. https://x.com/ONUHumanRights/status/1782436331567665230
RCN Radio. (2024). Fiscalía imputó a cuatro presuntos responsables del asesinato del líder social Narciso Beleño. RCN Radio. https://www.rcnradio.com/judicial/fiscalia-imputo-a-cuatro-presuntos-responsables-del-asesinato-del-lider-social-narciso-beleno
ReliefWeb. (2024). Situation of human rights defenders, social leaders, and communities in Colombia. Oidhaco. https://reliefweb.int/report/colombia/situation-human-rights-defenders-social-leaders-and-communities-colombia-september-2024
Centro de Memoria Histórica. (n.d.). Iniciativas y acciones. https://accioneseiniciativas.centrodememoriahistorica.gov.co
Orbegozo, G. (2021). Consequences of violence against social leaders in Colombia. Documentos CEDE 19320, Universidad de los Andes, Facultad de Economía, CEDE. https://ideas.repec.org/p/col/000089/019320.html
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