Colombia has experienced a history of violence stemming from the lucrative coca(ine) businesses and operations among armed groups. The lack of strong state authorities to dismantle these “criminals” has resulted in ongoing, poorly-regulated, conflict over territorial and social control. Specifically, desiring control of coca crops/plantations, drug laboratories, smuggling routes, and local businesses. The violence has escalated at its peak since the Final Agreement for Ending Conflict and Building a Stable and Lasting Peace between the Colombian government and former rebel group, Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia-Ejército del Pueblo (FARC-EP).
Beginning on January 15, 2025, violence increased in Catatumbo, Colombia between guerilla or armed groups who have traditionally fought for control of coca crops and drug trafficking areas due to breaching of the turf-sharing agreement (that was held since 2018). On March 20, these groups were reported to have subjected citizens to extrajudicial executions–killings supported or permitted by government authorities without any legal or judicial proceedings—, sexual and gender-based violence towards females, human trafficking, and recruitment of children. Notably, violating international (human rights) laws to life and fair trial. Ongoing activities by armed groups may lead to risks of “further episodes of mass violence” in efforts to socially control the population. Furthermore, on march 21, an update issued by the UN Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported more than 80 civilians, including social leaders and 6 former FARC-EP members, were killed.
In response, Colombian President Gustavo Petro Urrego has subsidized resources for the declaration of a “state of current internal commotion” to address the social and economic instability within Catatumbo region due to threats against civilians (including forced displacement of 36,137 people and 381 confirmed homicides), violation of basic rights, and public safety. Additionally, on March 3, Petro announced a plan to compensate and eliminate 25,000 hectares of coca in Catatumbo region in 140 days to address the violence and insecurity, and reduce the profitability of these armed groups. Amidst the unrest and instability of Colombia’s ongoing crisis of violence and crime, citizens can only hope to stop the atrocities enacted for the sake of a coca rivalry.
Works Cited
Aponte , Andrés, and Lina María Asprilla Ríos. “Catatumbo’s Cocaine War.” Global Initiative, 14 Feb. 2025, globalinitiative.net/analysis/catatumbo-cocaine-war/.
Colombia. “Colombia.” Security Council Report, 2025, www.securitycouncilreport.org/monthly-forecast/2025-04/colombia-29.php. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.
Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. “Colombia: Informe de Situación Humanitaria 2025 – Enero a Febrero de 2025 (Publicado El 21 de Marzo de 2025) – Colombia.” ReliefWeb, 21 Mar. 2025, reliefweb.int/report/colombia/colombia-informe-de-situacion-humanitaria-2025-enero-febrero-de-2025-publicado-el-21-de-marzo-de-2025. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.
“Presidente Decreta La Conmoción Interior En Región Del Catatumbo, Municipios Del Área Metropolitana de Cúcuta Y Los Del Río de Oro Y González En El Cesar.” Presidencia de La República, 2025, www.presidencia.gov.co/prensa/Paginas/Presidente-decreta-la-conmocion-interior-en-region-del-Catatumbo-municipios-250124.aspx.