Duque's 'subordination' to US-led war on drugs spurs violence in Colombia: report

by Adriaan Alsema May 23, 2019



Ivan Duque (L) and Donald Trump. (Image: President's Office)

The persistent failures of Colombia’s President Ivan Duque to implement a peace deal with demobilized FARC guerrillas has strengthened illegal armed groups and increased violence against social leaders, according to a study.

A collection of thinktanks and human rights organization issued a blistering report on Thursday in which they blamed security forces, and the governments of the United States and Colombia for the worsening security situation in the countryside, and in particular that of community leaders trying to implement the 2016 peace deal.

. . .

Attempts by the president’s far-right party, the Democratic Center, to sabotage the process and stigmatize social leaders and press have had a devastating effect on rural communities and increase the risk for those trying to implement the peace process and promote the voluntary eradication of coca.

Duque’s “subordination” to the Trump administration and both government’s failure to effectively support the peace process and counternarcotics efforts led by the United Nations have strengthened illegal armed groups and organized crime, and have allowed guerrilla group ELN to continue sowing terror, the NGOs said.

More:
https://colombiareports.com/duques-subordination-to-us-led-war-on-drugs-spurs-violence-in-colombia-report/

LBN:
https://www.democraticunderground.com/10142319756