A new case of violence against peace signatories has shaken the country, this time, in the municipality of Jambaló (Cauca).
According to what was reported by the Institute of Development and Peace Studies (Indepaz), this is the crime of Jhon Edinson Ipia Ipia, a signatory of the 2016 Peace agreements, who carried out his process of reintegration into civilian life. in the Carlos Perdomo Territorial Training and Reintegration Space (Etcr) in the Los Monos village, in the municipality of Caldono (Cauca).
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According to Indepaz, Ipia was murdered in the early morning of June 21, when in his Men heavily armed with rifles broke into his home and shot him repeatedly.
The homicide occurred hours after he participated in a meeting between the National Reincorporation Council (CNR) and the Agency for Reincorporation and Normalization (ARN) that socialized the Comprehensive Reincorporation Program (PRI), in the Barandillo village of Jambaló, as indicated by the institute.
The Dagoberto Ramos front of the Western Bloc of the Central General Staff of the FARC dissidents and the National Liberation Army (ELN) is present in the area. However, those responsible and the motives for the crime are yet to be established.
The Commons component of the CNR regretted what happened to the peace signer and demanded attention to this type of murders: “With deep indignation and pain, we denounce the murder of Jhon Edison Ipia, a brave #PeaceSigner who opted for reconciliation and construction of a better future for their community and for Colombia. We demand respect, no more assassinated #PeaceSigners!”, they indicated, via X.
The institute reported that so far in 2024, 13 crimes have been committed against peace signatories, which represents a threat to compliance with the agreements. On the other hand, 44 were murdered during 2023.
The Ministry of Defense reported on the significant reduction in levels of violence in the country so far in 2024. According to the Vice Minister for Security and Defense Policies, Daniela Gómez Rivas, The murders of social leaders decreased by 28%, while those of the signatories of the Peace Agreement decreased by 36%.
Vice Minister Gómez highlighted the progress of the Government of Change in 2024, highlighting important achievements in security, territorial control and the fight against organized crime. To date, authorities have seized 368 tons of cocaine, which is equivalent to an average of two tons per day.
In relation to public order in Cauca, Gómez reported that, since the end of the ceasefire with the Central Staff group, 367 captures and 67 combats have been carried out. Besides, The 55% reduction in homicides compared to 2023 in half of the department’s municipalities stood out.
Gómez also mentioned that irregular groups have increased their terrorist actions due to the inability to openly confront the Military Forces, especially in the offensive developed in the Micay Canyon, a key area for illicit economies.
As for security indicators, with the exception of extortion and personal injuries, all are on the decline, according to the figures shared. In the first six months of 2024, homicides decreased by 3.2%, massacres by 31%, and massacre victims by 34%, they added.
The vice minister also detailed strategies to increase the force until 2026, with the Plan 16 thousand, that will incorporate that number of members of the Military Forces in prioritized regions, and the Plan 20 thousand, that will provide new members to the National Police.
