Colombia: Protests Oct. 12 to denounce Tumaco massacre /update 1

Event

Several violent incidents have taken place in the Tumaco region of Nariño department (southwest) since the deadly clashes that broke out on October 5. These clashes - which left at least six people dead and 20 wounded in the remote village of Tandil - were initially attributed by authorities to an attack by ex-FARC dissidents. However, this claim has been denounced by many who believe that anti-narcotics police carried out the massacre, attacking a group of farmers protesting coca crop eradication in the area. Four police officers involved in the clashes are under investigation.

A humanitarian delegation investigating the incident - made up of representatives from the UN and the Organization of American States as well as journalists - came under attack on Sunday by police in the area, leaving at least one person injured. Further clashes between farmers and police broke out on Monday, October 9, in El Piñal and Puerto Rico.

An agrarian organization has called for nationwide protests on Thursday, October 12, to denounce the massacre as part of a "Week of Indignation" (Semana de la Indignación), running October 9-13. Large demonstrations are possible in cities across the country - including Bogotá, Medellín, and Cali - beginning at 09:00 (local time).

Context

Those skeptical of the initial explanation of the massacre point out that ex-FARC dissidents would have no reason to attack farmers protesting coca eradication as the cocaine trade is a major source of income for the group, as well as other criminal organizations operating in the region. They also note that no officers were injured, an unlikely outcome if police had come under attack by veteran guerrillas. Nariño department is a center of coca production in Colombia, and is a current focus of the government's anti-coca operations.

Advice

Individuals in Colombia are advised to avoid the Tumaco area due to the risk of further violence, and avoid all demonstrations as a precaution. Due to the presence of a number of armed groups - including organized crime groups, drug cartels, right-wing militias, local gangs, and the ELN guerilla group - some Western governments advise against travel to various parts of the country, including much of Nariño department.