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Writer's pictureLibertad Sublime
Aug 276 min read

Silencing Voices: An Analysis of the Murder of Social Leaders in Córdoba and their Socio-Political Implications


José Gregorio Naranjo and William Alvarez Dominguez; two more victims of the violence faced by social leaders and human rights defenders in Córdoba.


Article written by Juliana Duran, Maria Camila Marchena & Maria Alejandra Silva


In Córdoba, the aspirations of progress for the department’s communities are being hindered through the killing of their social leaders. Historically Córdoba has been a region wounded by violence. Since the last century, different armed groups have occupied the territory and disputed the control of it, leaving the population of this department in the middle of the crossfire. Given Cordoba’s strategic location through its wide opening to the sea by way of the Río Sinú, and the connection of the Caribbean region with the central regions of the country, this department of Colombia has been the focus of many criminal organizations such as the paramilitary groups who took over the peripheral areas of this land for agro-industrial extraction and their strong ranching industry model (Cinep, 2017), while guerrilla groups such as the FARC had a long-held presence in the south of the department. Despite the demobilization processes involving both paramilitaries and guerrillas (2004-2006 and 2016 respectively), the sense of security felt by communities in the department continues to be fragile. Many social leaders in Córdoba have dedicated their time and efforts for the protection of their communities. In Yisel Carabalí's words (a writer, singer and social leader from Cauca), being a social leader means to “defend our territory even with their own life” (Comisión de la Verdad, 2019). Unfortunately, far too many social leaders have to sacrifice their lives in their pursuit of progress. Córdoba is the department with the highest number of leaders and human rights defenders assassinated in the Caribbean region. This article will explore this worrying dynamic by looking at two recent cases of murdered social leaders in the department. 

 

 

José Gregorio Naranjo and William Alberto Álvarez Domínguez were two of the more recent cases of the 71 (as of May 2024) murdered social leaders in Córdoba since 2016.  Like others before them, their actions for pursuing social and economic progress in their societies made them targets and ended up costing them their lives. José Gregorio Naranjo worked representing the interests of Carrizal leading the JAC (Junta de Acción Comunal), which are community action boards that represent the communities in every corner of Colombia. His work was mainly focused on actions related with infrastructure works, access to education, public health and potable water (Barrios, F. 2024). As for William Alberto, he worked as a lawyer and public servant of the Ombudsman's Office, emphasizing human rights issues by being a defender of those in the most vulnerable communities in southern Córdoba (Cuello, O. 2023). Equally important, they were both brutally murdered. José Gregorio was shot dead in his own house by two subjects who arrived on a motorbike. William Alberto was brutally and fatally injured with a knife while he was conducting an humanitarian mission by helping to move a family which had been threatened by the armed group Autodefensas Gaitanistas de Colombia, or AGC. In both these cases one can find in common the actions in which the social leaders were working: representing their communities and working in defense of their territories. Sadly, both operated in a region under threat from criminal organizations. 

 

Concentrating on the department of Córdoba, the main reasons that unite social leaders and for which they are killed and persecuted are because of their leadership in the defence of the rights of vulnerable communities. While not necessarily factors in the cases of Jose or William, issues such as crop substitution and land restitution are critical in the department. Many leaders fight to bring their communities away from the growing of illegal crops or to return land to communities displaced by the violence of the land. For this reason, they promote greater citizen participation so that they become actively involved in peace-building processes and so that their rights are guaranteed, indirectly "threatening" the objectives of illegal groups in these territories and limiting their actions. As mentioned previously, since 2016, 71 social leaders have been murdered in Córdoba. This accounts for 30% of social leader murders in the Caribbean region during that period. This date (2016) puts us in the context of the peace agreements, where, according to the leaders themselves, there has been a failure to comply with the agreement that has generated a high level of risk factors for these communities. The “La paz en el terreno” project developed an exercise in which it identified that the aggressions against social leaders are by and large related to the implementation of the Agreement and the disputes between illegal groups in the region. Another reason why social leaders in Córdoba are killed is because of the dispute between illegal armed groups that have produced more than 100 aggressions to social leaders among them men and women (including LGBTI representatives) through discriminatory actions, threats and aggressions.  

 

 

Social leadership in the department of Córdoba has evidently becomes a high-risk activity. At the time of writing (April 2024) three leaders have been assassinated in 2024 and another 234 face death threats and intimidation. The motivations for taking on this role are not related to money or status, but to the desire to ensure development for vulnerable communities. However, the historical lack of attention from incumbent political leaders has perpetuated violence against activists and social leaders. Despite the gravity of the situation, the solutions implemented by the Colombian government have been insufficient to protect social leaders in Córdoba. Although specialized groups from the Police and the Technical Investigation Corps (CTI) have been designated to investigate the crimes and capture those responsible, the alarming number of murders remains a worrying reality. The 71 cases that have happened in Córdoba are but a fraction of the more than 1,600 cases that taken place throughout Colombia (Indepaz, as of May 2024). In addition, the lack of effective measures to prevent these attacks and guarantee the safety of leaders has generated a climate of impunity and vulnerability. It is also important to mention the paramilitary groups in the Córdoba zone and how these use corruption to kill social leaders and continue their hold on power. A notable reference regarding the links between illegal groups and local politicians in Córdoba, is the report published by Human Rights Watch titled "Colombia: ‘The War Just Never Ends’: Paramilitary-Linked Groups, Guerrillas, and State Violence in Colombia’s Displaced Communities." This report extensively documents the connections between paramilitary groups, guerrillas, and state actors, including local politicians, in various regions of Colombia, including Córdoba. It highlights the collusion between illegal armed groups and politicians, as well as the impact of this collusion on human rights and the rule of law. This report provides valuable insights into the complex dynamics of violence and corruption in Colombia, particularly in regions like Córdoba. Among the 71 murdered social leaders in Córdoba since 2016, the cases of Maria del Pilar Hurtado (2019) and Rafael Moreno (2023) stand out for the apparent collusion between local political figures and armed actors. Given the government's efforts, the effectiveness of the measures taken in the department of Córdoba to prevent the murders of social leaders remains questionable. The international community and human rights organizations must continue to press for more forceful and effective actions to protect those who fight for the wellbeing of their communities. The Colombian State and the department of Córdoba have faced significant challenges in the implementation of environmental plans and social justice programs. Despite efforts, some of these projects have failed to fully materialize due to various reasons. For example, programs aimed at protecting natural areas, reducing deforestation and promoting clean energy have faced logistical and financial obstacles. In addition, efforts to improve social equity, such as land reform and land redistribution, have been affected by political interests and conflicts of interest. Furthermore, it is of course troublesome that social leaders, who are so central to such programs, continue to be targeted over their efforts. Despite these challenges, it is crucial that the state and local authorities continue to work collaboratively to overcome barriers and move towards a more sustainable and just future. 

 

 

In conclusion, the department of Córdoba in Colombia faces a profound struggle as social leaders, the very voices striving for progress and justice, are systematically targeted and killed. Historically plagued by violence and control by various armed groups, the region's strategic significance has made it a focal point for criminal organizations seeking to exploit its resources and territory. Despite the tireless efforts of many social leaders like José Gregorio Naranjo and William Alberto Álvarez Domínguez, who dedicated their lives to advocating for their communities, their aspirations were met with brutal violence. These leaders worked tirelessly for infrastructure development, education, healthcare, and human rights protection, yet they became victims of ruthless attacks. The underlying reasons for their persecution often stem from their defence of vulnerable communities, land restitution, and their role in peace-building processes, which directly challenge the interests of illegal groups and on occasion the economic interests of local elites. The failure to effectively protect these leaders not only perpetuates violence but also undermines the very foundations of democracy and justice. The Colombian government's efforts, while commendable, have thus far fallen short in providing adequate protection and preventing further bloodshed. As international pressure mounts, there is a pressing need for more robust measures to safeguard social leaders and ensure the realization of sustainable and equitable development in Córdoba and across Colombia. Only through concerted efforts and unwavering commitment can the region hope to overcome its challenges and forge a brighter future for all its inhabitants. 

 

 

References drawn from: 

 

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