“Respect brother, get out now, kill us all”: the cry of a community tired of violence revealed by SEMANA Magazine.
Colombia News.
The public order situation in Catatumbo, a subregion located in the department of Norte de Santander, remains critical. As the hours go by, violence seems to dominate this area of the country, where clashes between the National Liberation Army (ELN) and FARC dissidents have generated a growing wave of insecurity and displacement.
A video revealed this Monday, January 20, by SEMANA Magazineshows a shocking act of citizen resistance that has generated commotion. In the images, a woman bravely confronts an armed ELN guerrilla, in a clear manifestation of indignation at the situation.
In the video, you can hear how the woman, without any fear, rebukes the guerrilla and expresses her frustration with a forceful: “Respect brother, get out now, kill us all.”
The moment was captured by another person present at the scene and reflects the desperation of a community trapped in the middle of the armed conflict.
This episode occurs in a context of growing violence in Catatumbo, where, according to recent figures, more than 90 people have been murdered and around 5,000 have been displaced by the conflict so far this year.
Women in Catatumbo confront a member of the ELN who arrived armed and firing shots: “Get out now, kill us all.” The public order situation is complicated in this area of the country. https://t.co/if1kX8qDUN pic.twitter.com/C8XzX4RNxa
— Semana Magazine (@RevistaSemana) January 20, 2025
Catatumbo under fire
The governor of Norte de Santander, William Villamizar, assured that “It is estimated that more than 80 people have lost their lives, more than 20 are injured and around 5,000 have been displaced.”, making clear the seriousness of the humanitarian crisis.
In this region, violence not only takes lives, but also strips families of their homes and peace of mind.
The reactions to the video were immediate. Bruc Mac Master, president of the National Association of Industrialists (ANDI), regretted the situation and highlighted the need for the State to regain control of the territories.
“We are returning to the times of displacement, to the times of massive internal migrations, which have caused so much pain, and which reflect so much on a State incapable of offering acceptable conditions to the population.”, he stated.
There will never be Peace without territorial control by the State
It is an essential condition to be able to achieve it
The population of the entire national territory must be guaranteed that the State is the only authority
We are returning to the times of displacement, to the times of… pic.twitter.com/vmAUL2vXfw—Bruce MacMaster (@BruceMacMaster) January 20, 2025
This woman’s confrontation with the guerrilla is a reflection of the fatigue and courage of the communities that, in the midst of state abandonment and violence, raise their voices to demand respect and peace. This case highlights the urgency of implementing measures that guarantee the security and well-being of the population affected by the armed conflict.
Meanwhile, Catatumbo continues to be the scene of a war that seems to have no end, where the bravery of its inhabitants is the only glimmer of hope in the midst of the darkness of the conflict.
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