Colombia’s government struggles to maintain control in El Plateado, a guerrilla-occupied town. Military efforts to restore order have faced ongoing attacks, while attempts to shift locals away from coca cultivation to legal crops are undermined by distrust. Recent tensions prompted a local uprising against security forces, illustrating the challenges of integrating the community into Colombia’s legal economy.
Colombia’s government faces challenges in controlling El Plateado, a town in the Micay Canyon historically governed by guerrillas. After a military offensive last October that aimed to restore state authority, government forces have been continuously attacked, significantly affecting their presence. The local economy, heavily reliant on coca production, has also posed a challenge for officials trying to persuade farmers to switch to legal crops.
To support this transition, the military established a field hospital to offer public healthcare and is working to secure resources for farmers. Despite these efforts, guerrillas have exploited the community’s historic distrust of the government, undermining integration efforts into Colombia’s legal economy.
Interior Minister Armando Benedetti acknowledged the historical neglect of the region, stating that “the state abandonment… has allowed illegal armed groups to generate illegal economic dynamics and sow the politics of fear.” This situation escalated after an army failure to protect a vital bridge, leading to local unrest and the temporary demobilization of security forces. Locals ultimately released detained policemen and soldiers following intervention by the Ombudsman’s Office.
Amidst ongoing tensions, Defense Minister Pedro Sanchez reaffirmed the commitment of military forces to safeguard the community against illegal armed groups. President Gustavo Petro highlighted the farmers’ choices, stating, “the farmers decide if they continue with an illicit economy that only brings… despair or the government and the voluntarily transition to an economy for life.”
Colombian authorities are grappling with control in El Plateado, where guerrilla groups have strong influence. Efforts to promote legal crop cultivation face significant hurdles due to long-standing distrust and economic dependence on coca. Ongoing conflict between the locals and security forces illustrates the complexities of transitioning from illegal economies to sustainable livelihoods. Government officials underscore the need for community cooperation while reaffirming their commitment to protect the region from illegal armed groups.
Original Source: colombiareports.com
