Colombian VP Francia Márquez Echoes Minister’s Call for Dialogue in Cauca Crisis

In response to the recent Crisis in the Cauca department, the Minister of Defense has taken the initiative to schedule a meeting with dissident factions associated with the Central High Command (EMC). These dissident groups have been identified as the perpetrators of the attack that occurred in the Timba area. This meeting, set for October 8th, is aimed at addressing the escalating security concerns in the region.

Wave of Violence in Cauca Continues

The Cauca department continues to grapple with a concerning wave of violence. During the weekend, an indigenous leader and a councilman fell victim to a fatal shooting, allegedly carried out by unidentified individuals in the department’s northern region. The situation took a turn for the worse on September 20th when an explosive attack, orchestrated by EMC dissidents, struck a police substation in the Timba region of Buenos Aires municipality. This incident claimed the lives of two individuals and left the community in shock.

Violence Spreads Across the Country

The concerning pattern of violence is not limited to the Cauca department alone. In the past hours, similar incidents have been reported across the country. Military bases in Chiribico, Santander de Quilichao, and La Salvajina, Suarez, also became targets of aggression, further underscoring the precarious security situation in Colombia.

Vice President Francia Marquez Urges Minister of Defense to Address Cauca’s Security Woes

Vice President Francia Márquez has joined the chorus of condemnation, using the social media platform “X” to express her strong disapproval of these incidents. She has also called upon Minister of Defense Iván Velásquez to take immediate action in response to the dire security situation in the Cauca department.

Minister of Defense Ivan Velasquez has aligned himself with the growing outcry against the spate of attacks on police stations, including the tragic incident in Timba. He acknowledges the pressing need to address this security crisis through dialogue with the armed groups responsible. A program has been set for October 8th with the objective of commencing negotiations for a possible bilateral ceasefire. However, Minister Velasquez acknowledges that trust has been severely eroded, as it has become a disturbing pattern for armed groups to target members of the security forces and civilians shortly after engaging in talks with the government.

Efforts to Restore Trust and Peace

In an effort to address the ongoing security crisis in Cauca, Minister Ivan Velasquez has scheduled a meeting for Thursday, September 21st, with President Gustavo Petro, High Commissioner for Peace Danilo Rueda, and representatives from the Armed Forces. This high-level meeting aims to deliberate on strategies and solutions to address the escalating violence in the Cauca department.

Given the gravity of the situation, offensive operations in the Cauca department are set to persist. The government remains committed to restoring peace and security to the region.