The Secretary of Security said that “in southern Bolívar we are not accustomed to war.”
Santa Rosa del Sur, Bolivar.
Manuel Berrio, Secretary of Security of Bolívar, He expressed concern about the omission of the department of Bolívar in the recent internal shock decree by the national government to address the crisis in the Catatumbo.
In the middle of a press conference, Berrío said Although the department of Bolívar has historically faced public order problems, especially in its southern zone, It was not included in the exceptional measures of the government.
“Although historically the department of Bolívar presents the clear conditions to be included in this internal commotion, it was not taken into account,” said the secretary.
Berrío called on the National Government to reconsider its decision and extend the measures of the Decree of Inner shock to the department of Bolívar, in order to strengthen the capacities of security forces and provide greater protection to the population.
“In that sense we understand the unfortunate situation they are living in the Catatumbo, but also We ask the National Government to look south of the department of Bolívar, because these clashes are not newthey are historical in our region and what we cannot allow is to normalize war, “Berrío explained.
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Finally, the official said that, “in southern Bolivar we are not used to war, we do not want it and we need the national government to turn its eyes to the south of our department.”
The clashes in the south of Bolívar
The authorities of Santa Rosa del SurBolívar, confirmed the confrontations recorded in the last 15 days in the region, which have caused the massive displacement of hundreds of people, fearful of violence that affects the country.
In a context similar to that of Catatumboin Norte de Santander, many inhabitants have abandoned their homes to escape the armed conflict between various illegal groups.
In Bolívar, according to the Ministry of Departmental Security, clashes in Santa Rosa del Sur involve Gulf clan and al National Liberation Army (ELN). This situation, which has been extended for more than two weeks, has resulted in the departure of at least 160 people, which is equivalent to 70 family nuclei displaced, according to the most recent records of the Mayor’s Office.
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The displaced would be mainly arriving at BarrancabermejaSantander, and the Department of Antioquia, looking for security.
For his part, Manuel Berrio, Secretary of Security of Bolívar, warned that after the suspension of peace dialogues between the ELN and the National Government, an increase in violent acts is expected. The municipalities most affected by this situation are Santa Rosa del Sur, Simití, Morales, Montecristo and Norosíwhere the armed conflict is aggravated by the control of activities such as drug trafficking and illegal mining.
Source: Integrated information system
