In light of the security crisis in the department of Valle del Cauca, the Attorney General’s Office has requested details from the national government, specifically from the Ministry of Defense, on the progress of the Contingency Plan planned for COP16, an event that will be held in Cali from October 21 to November 1.
The concern is focused on potential threats to public order and natural risks that may jeopardize the holding of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity.
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The Public Ministry emphasized the need for the Government headed by President Gustavo Petro to guarantee the safety of both the citizens of Cali and those attending the conference.
In a communication addressed to the Ministry of Defense, The control body indicated that concrete measures are required to face possible eventualities that may affect the development of COP16. In this regard, the Ministry has requested a detailed report on security and contingency planning.
A particular focus of the security crisis is the municipality of Jamundí, just 25 km from the capital of Valle del Cauca, where the inhabitants have suffered multiple terrorist attacks attributed to FARC dissidents. Given the increase in violence in recent months, the Attorney General’s Office emphasized the importance of taking proactive measures to protect Cali residents and ensure a safe environment during the conference.
The oversight body also requested that other government entities report on their participation in the event’s logistics. Specifically, the Administrative Department of the Presidency of the Republic (Dapre), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development, and the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism were asked to report on the progress of the work plan, schedules, projected and executed budget, and sources of financing.
The representative of Cali, Gerardo Mendoza Castrillón, has insisted that security measures should not cease with the end of COP16. According to him, “It is a clamor, it is important that the capital of Valle del Cauca and this area of the country continue to be strengthened with military and police intelligence to counteract the possibilities that violent people seek”.
In response to security demands, the mayor of Cali, Alejandro Eder, confirmed the reinforcement of 14 platoons of professional soldiers who will arrive in the city on July 8. “The Ministry of Defense confirmed to us the arrival of 14 additional platoons of professional soldiers. The call to increase the number of troops and restore the security of our neighboring municipalities has already been answered. If they are well, Cali will be too,” said Eder.
With this reinforcement, it is expected to regain control and security in the rural area of southern Valle del Cauca, which has been affected by harassment by dissidents.
Drone attacks are another major concern for local authorities. According to the mayor, so far in 2024, there have been 20 attacks carried out by criminal structures using drones. Eder stressed, “we cannot give up the tactical advantage of air control to these terrorists. We are working with the National Police, led by General Salamanca, to set up a scheme that includes air protection against drones.”
Likewise, the governor of Valle del Cauca. Dilian Francisca Toro announced this week that the department would be equipped with anti-drone technology in order to avoid an attack like the one presented in Argelia, Cauca on June 12.
Finally, the Attorney General’s Office maintains strict surveillance and management control over compliance with administrative and security functions in the preparation and development of COP16, a commitment that will guarantee effectiveness and safety in the most important environmental event in the world.
