Colombia: Tensions and violence over coca eradication programs

Event

The departments of Antioquia, Nariño, Norte de Santander, Cauca, and Putumayo are experiencing an increase in tensions and violence over government anti-coca policies. According to security officials, the Colombian government is planning to eliminate 100,000 hectares of coca - the main ingredient in cocaine - by May 2018, either through enforced crop-substitution programs or coca eradication campaigns.

The policies have led to backlash, both from drug traffickers and farmers who rely on the crop. Protests demanding the abolition of anti-coca policies have broken out in recent weeks, especially in Norte de Santander and Putumayo. In addition, ex-FARC fighters in Nariño, with alleged ties to cocaine production, have threatened local farmers with violence over their involvement in crop-substitution programs.

Protests and violence - by traffickers, farmers, and anti-narcotic police - are likely to continue in the coming weeks and months.

Context

Recent examples of related violence include clashes - which left at least six people dead and 20 wounded - broke out on October 5, when anti-narcotics police allegedly attacked a group of farmers protesting coca crop eradication in the area. Also in October, three campesino (peasant farmer) leaders were assassinated by suspected drug traffickers in Antioquia and Nariño over their involvement in a crop-substitution program. Since the beginning of 2017, over 120 campesinos have been killed nationwide, including 17 for promoting anti-coca policies.

Advice

Individuals in Colombia are advised to keep abreast of the situation and avoid all protests due to the risk of violence.