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Social leaders Rosa Celix and Samir Zarate were murdered in the department of Bolívar during 2023.
Article written by Rosmery Carbonell, Gabriela Orozco & Nabij Saker
In Colombia being a social leader can mean a threat against your life. Social leaders in Colombia play a crucial role in advocating for human rights, social justice, and community development. However, many of these leaders have faced grave threats to their lives and safety due to their activism. The murder of social leaders has been sadly normalized, and listening to crimes against them is part of the “normal” news. This essay is about the context of the department of Bolivar and the cases of three social leaders that were murdered during the first months of 2023, Rosa Elena Celiz Guañarita, Jorge Orlando Cardenas Fajardo and Samir Antonio Zarate Lugo. The department of Bolivar has experienced a particularly high number of these violent incidents. These leaders are often targeted by criminal organizations, paramilitary groups, or other armed actors who perceive them as a threat to their interests or to their control in the region. The motives behind these murders can vary, from disputes over land and resources to efforts to silence those who speak out against corruption and violence. The murders of social leaders in Bolivar and throughout Colombia are a stark reminder of the challenges faced by those who work tirelessly to build a more equitable and just society. Addressing this issue requires not only law enforcement efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice but also a broader commitment to peace, human rights, and social development in Colombia. For this reason, it is vital to explore the stories of leaders such as Rosa, Jorge and Samir.
Rosa Elena Celix Guañarita, a prominent figure within the Victims Association in Bolívar, dedicated her life to advocating for the rights of marginalized communities in Colombia. At the age of 37, she held the position of vice president of the Victims Association in the Guayacanes district of Santa Rosa, Bolívar. Rosa's work was highly respected and acknowledged by the community, especially those affected by the armed conflict in Santa Rosa. Her significant contributions led to her selection as the vice president of the Victims Association in the Los Guayacanes district, a testament to her commitment to social justice. Unfortunately, like so many others who have dedicated their lives to helping marginalized communities in Colombia, her work and life would end abruptly. The tragic murder of Rosa Celix occurred in a bar located in the municipality of San Pablo, approximately four and a half hours away from Santa Rosa. According to Semana (2023), the homicide took place on February 27th, 2023, when the victim was socializing with several people. An armed man approached her from behind and shot her twice; it was revealed that one of the shots hit her in the back of the head, killing her instantly. Rosa Celix's murder shocked Colombian society and had a profound impact on her community and the broader social justice movement in Bolívar. In response to the tragedy, various organizations in the Magdalena Medio region called for swift action to arrest the killers. Magdalena Medio police chief Luis Alejandro Cubillos pledged to work with the victim's family to investigate the crime and investigate possible motives, as reported by El Tiempo (2023). However, the murder of Rosa Célix is not a singular occurrence but rather part of a disturbing pattern of violence aimed at social leaders. In the first nine months of 2023, INDEPAZ reported an alarming total of 128 murders of social leaders, further contributing to a bleak count of 1,542 leaders assassinated since the peace agreement was signed (as of October 1st, 2023). The presence of transnational criminal groups and local organized crime entities such as "Los Venecos," the AGC (the largest drug trafficking organization in Colombia), and the ELN (left-wing guerrillas), as highlighted by the Office of the Ombudsman, presented grave threats to the population in South Bolivar. In Santa Rosa, Bolívar, the situation raised serious concerns among community members and social leaders, who have increasingly felt more vulnerable. The Municipal Effective Participation Committee for the victims of Santa Rosa del Sur in Bolívar, in a public statement, highlighted the violence plaguing the territory, especially in San Pablo, which directly endangered the lives, integrity, and security of those defending the rights of conflict victims. Urgently, they requested heightened protection and security from the national government, providing testimony over their apprehensions for their lives, as reported by Caracol Radio (2023).
Violence against social leaders and human rights defenders is a hugely alarming issue that has been getting worse in recent years. In relation to the investigations carried out by the Colombian Commission of Jurists (2023), it was determined that there have been 120 violations of the right to life of defenders, leaders, and activists. These violations include 82.50% male victims, 15% female victims, and 2.5% victims with diverse sexual orientation and gender identities. In the history of Colombia, violence has been used to silence those who are perceived as opponents. This violence has been directed towards social and political leaders, as highlighted in the Truth Commission's report of 2022. Selective assassinations have been carried out with ruthless precision, aimed at suppressing resistance, forcing collaboration, and instilling fear in the community. It is sad reality that the peace agreement with the FARC-EP (2016) has not yet brought about stability but instead has led to a troubling increase in assassinations of former combatants in addition to violence against social leaders. In 2022, the UN reported that 315 former FARC-EP combatants were killed and 27 went missing, indicating the immense obstacles faced by those striving towards a fairer and more peaceful Colombia. There has long been criticism that not enough is being done in terms of instigating and developing the many programs and initiatives agreed as part of that 2016 peace deal, particularly in terms of those programs concerned with illicit crop substitution and integral rural reform. Bolívar, and particularly the southern part of the department, is a perfect example of a context where real commitment to such programs is vital to help communities that have traditionally been impacted by the armed conflict. The failure to address these issues has left leaders such as Rosa in a vulnerable position. Unfortunately, Rosa is not the only social leader to have been silenced in the department.
In Cantagallo, Bolivar, Colombia, Jorge Orlando Cardenas Fajardo was a prominent member of the community. On January 25th, 2023, he was killed while operating a vehicle. Peasant leader Cardenas was active in activism and community service circles. His murder is said to have been motivated by either personal conflicts or his role as a community leader. The murder of Cardenas is only one of several incidents of violence against human rights advocates and local authorities in Colombia, particularly in areas where there is a high level of organized crime and drug trafficking. International institutions including the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) and the United Nations have expressed alarm over the continuous violence in Colombia. (W Radio, 2022). Cases of violence against social leaders in Bolívar must be viewed in the context of the shadow cast by the armed conflict in the department. The armed conflict has cast a long shadow over the department. FARC guerrillas entered the Bolivar department in 1983, having an impact on towns including Cantagallo, San Pablo, Rio Viejo, Morales, and Simit. Paramilitary groups also operated in the area over the years, but they were unable to unite until the end of the century. The consequences of the conflict between the FARC and the paramilitaries were catastrophic for the civilian population. Despite the FARC's demobilization in 2016, following the AUC paramilitary demobilization ten years previously, peace did not reach Cantagallo, where the ELN and the AGC have been at odds since 2016. While violence against social leaders is a frequent reality in rural parts of the department, urban centers and cities have also seen cases of violence against community activists.
In Cartagena, the capital of the department of Bolívar and one of the most important tourist sites in Colombia, Samir Antonio Zarate Lugo was a prominent member of the community and a social activist. He served as the secretary of the Communal Action Boardl (JAC for its initials in Spanish) in Villas de Aranjuez and was well-known for his civic engagement. Zarate was slain on April 23rd, 2023, in a brawl in the Cartagena district of Bicentenario. After a disagreement over a debt, a neighbor fatally stabbed him. The community was shocked by Zarate's murder, which was roundly denounced by regional and federal officials. The culprit, known as "Alex," was apprehended by the police in August 2023. Despite not being explicitly linked to his work as a community activist, Zarate´s killing represents another case of the numerous instances of violence against community leaders and human rights advocates in Colombia, particularly in areas where there is a high level of organized crime and drug trafficking (Caracol Radio, 2023). The killing of Samir Zarate highlights the vulnerability of local and community activists in urban areas where insecurity and acts of intolerance are far too frequent. As can be seen in the cases outlined in this article, the situation in Bolivar is concerning. In the first semester of 2023, the Ombudsman’s Office reports that five social leaders—two women and three men—were killed in the area. Two of these cases occurred in Cartagena, while the other three were reported in the communities of Cantagallo, San Pablo, and El Carmen de Bolivar. (El universal, 2023). With this in mind, it is necessary to further explore the context in the department.
The context of social leaders in the department of Bolivar is complex and to understand the challenges and risks faced by social leaders in this region, it's important to consider the different aspects of the problem. For example, the social inequality that is faced in the region. Bolivar, like many other regions in Colombia, struggles with significant social and economic disparities. Poverty, limited access to basic services, and a lack of economic opportunities are prevalent issues in many communities. Social leaders often emerge from these marginalized areas to advocate for the rights and well-being of their communities. In this case the three leaders were communal leaders, and they wanted to improve conditions for their communities. However, another factor that shapes the context of the social leaders is the presence of narcotrafficking and criminal organizations in Colombia for example, names such as the AGC, FARC dissidents, the ELN, Aguilas Negras, and also drug cartels and other armed groups contribute to the insecurity and violence. Social leaders who oppose the actions of these groups, or are perceived as an obstacle or threat to their activities may face threats and attacks. While the Colombian government signed a historic peace agreement with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) in 2016, the implementation of this agreement has been challenging. The power vacuum left by the FARC's demobilization has allowed other armed groups to vie for control in various regions, including Bolivar. Bolivar is home to a significant number of indigenous and Afro-Colombian communities. Leaders from these groups are often recognized for the protection of their ancestral lands, cultural rights, and social inclusion. They may face additional challenges due to their marginalized status as a minority community. In this complex context, social leaders in Bolivar play a critical role in standing up for the rights of their communities, addressing social injustices, and seeking solutions to the region's problems. However, their activism often comes at great personal risk, making it dangerous for the leaders that decide to speak up. It is for this reason that authorities must take measures to address this reality.
Regarding the actions taken by the government to address the issue of murdered social leaders, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights emphasizes the urgency for the State to expand its presence in the areas most affected by violence against social leaders. In order to contextualize the matter, there are a total of 409 municipalities in Colombia that are presently experiencing either low local capacity or critical conditions. This is significant when considering that Colombia is comprised of 1,106 municipalities, signifying that 36% of them are facing issues pertaining to insufficient institutional capacity (Rodriguez, 2022). It is important to note that almost fifty percent of the municipalities in the country, primarily situated on the outskirts of the national territory, do not possess fundamental elements that are provided by the state. The residents of these municipalities are lacking in institutions that protect their rights. Additionally, a call was made to the National Security Guarantees Commission to advance in the development and implementation of policies aimed at dismantling criminal groups in these regions, especially in those where levels of corruption contribute to impunity (La Republica, 2021). On the other hand, the present model of the Ombudsman's Office in these violence-stricken areas is considered a potential model for the involvement of other state and governmental bodies. In contrast, with regards to their existence in these regions, the Office of the Ombudsman works alongside nearby communities to fully grasp their particular necessities and worries. Additionally, they carry out inquiries and surveillance in these territories to detect any breaches of human rights and provide aid to those who have suffered. The Office's presence and initiatives in these impacted areas serve to enhance the efficacy of responses and safeguard social leaders (Defensoria del Pueblo,2023). Therefore, it can be said that the government is taking measures to prevent attacks and protect social leaders in Colombia. These actions include strengthening communication with human rights organizations and addressing the risks they face. Additionally, work is underway to restructure the National Protection Unit to improve its processes and ensure a human rights-focused approach in all its activities. According to El Tiempo (2023), the four specific actions that will guide the action plan are the review and adjustment of regulations related to protection programs, the reformulation of the public policy to guarantee the exercise of Human Rights Defense work, the strengthening of the implementation of Decree 660 of 2018 related to collective protection for rural communities, and the reactivation of dialogues with civil society from the peace agreement with the FARC and the National Process of Guarantees for Human Rights Defenders and Social Leaders. Furthermore, the government introduced the Unified Command Posts for Life strategy as a mechanism to protect the country's social leaders, ensuring immediate protection through the creation of prevention action plans (Voz de America, 2023). However, it must be pointed out that these measures have yet to bear fruits, with crimes against leaders continuing to occur in the Caribbean region and throughout Colombia.
In conclusion, the reality of social leaders in Colombia's Bolivar department highlights the serious difficulties and dangers they encounter in their unwavering quest for social justice and community development. The horrific killings of Samir Antonio Zarate Lugo, Jorge Orlando Cardenas Fajardo, and Rosa Elena Celix Guañarita show the disturbing trend of violence against social activists in this department. The dangers that these leaders confront are made even greater by the complicated socioeconomic background in the department, the lack of social justice across various levels, the existence of illegal armed groups and criminal organizations, and the struggles of underprivileged populations. The need to increase state presence and protection in regions impacted by violence persists despite attempts by the government and foreign groups to address the problem. Although the government has taken measures to bolster protection programs and prevent assaults, there is still a long way to go before social leaders in Colombia can be guaranteed their safety and well-being. Social leaders' diligent efforts are crucial for advancing human rights, social equity, and healthy neighborhood development. Their sacrifices and the dangers they face highlight the necessity of ongoing initiatives to eliminate violence against social leaders and create a more just and equitable society in Colombia.
References
Revista Semana (2023). Lideresa de la Asociación de Víctimas en Bolívar fue asesinada en un bar del municipio de San Pablo. https://www.semana.com/nacion/cartagena/articulo/lideresa-de-la-asociacion-de-victimas-en-bolivar-fue-asesinada-en-un-bar-del-municipio-de-san-pablo/202331/
El Tiempo (2023). Líder social fue asesinada en un bar con tiro de gracia en el Magdalena Medio.https://www.eltiempo.com/colombia/santander/lider-social-es-asesinada-con-tiro-de-gracia-en-un-bar-745926
InfoBae (2023). Febrero cierra con 20 líderes sociales asesinados en el país, las últimas víctimas se reportaron en el Valle y en Bolívar. https://www.infobae.com/colombia/2023/03/01/febrero-cierra-con-20-lideres-sociales-asesinados-en-el-pais-las-ultimas-victimas-se-reportaron-en-el-valle-y-en-bolivar/
INDEPAZ (2023). Rosa Elena Celix Guañarita era una reconocida lideresa. https://twitter.com/Indepaz/status/1630729580414738434
Caracol Radio (2023). Mujer asesinada por sicario en San Pablo era líderesa de asociación de víctimas. https://caracol.com.co/2023/02/28/mujer-asesinada-por-sicario-en-san-pablo-era-lideresa-de-asociacion-de-victimas/
Comision Colombiana d Juristas (2023). Violaciones al derecho a la vida de las personas defensoras, líderes y lideresas. https://www.coljuristas.org/nuestro_quehacer/lideres.php
Rodriguez (2021). Abandono estatal, la desgracia del pueblo. https://conexion.uexternado.edu.co/abandono-estatal-la-desgracia-del-pueblo/
Defensoria del Pueblo (2023). Conoce nuestra entidad: sobre la defensoría del pueblo de colombia https://www.defensoria.gov.co/que-hacemos#:~:text=Proteger%20y%20defender%20los%20derechos,casos%20se%C3%B1alados%20en%20la%20Ley.
Convenio de fuerza y justicia. (n.d.). Cantagallo | Convenios de Fuerza y Justicia. Rutas del Conflicto. http://rutasdelconflicto.com/convenios-fuerza-justicia/node/260
GONZÁLEZ, J. (2023, August 8). 5 líderes sociales han sido asesinados en Bolívar este 2023. El Universal. Retrieved October 5, 2023, from https://www.eluniversal.com.co/regional/bolivar/5-lideres-sociales-han-sido-asesinados-en-bolivar-este-2023-CX8761730
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