The Gulf Clan commits crimes in 53% of the Antioquian territory. The crimes that it has committed and the reluctance that that organization has shown not to answer for its crimes are the reasons for the governor of Antioquia, Andrés Julián Rendón Cardona, for not agreeing to sit at a dialogue table.
The governor’s position, regarding the invitations made to him by the National Government, to participate in dialogues with criminal structures, remains clear. The head of the department this time once again said no to the Government of Gustavo Petro, who invited him to a negotiating table with the Gulf Clan.
Antioquians, my answer will be the same out of coherence and conviction: peace is the rule of law, justice and social opportunities.
Neither with FARC dissidents, nor Clan del Golfo, nor with ELN, nor with any bandit,
of different skin, you have to sit down and negotiate. pic.twitter.com/waGVwkkW7h— Andrés Julián (@AndresJRendonC) November 6, 2024
And for the governor it is not justifiable that there are negotiation processes with a criminal organization that has shown signs of not wanting to respond to justice for the crimes it has committed.
Currently, the Clan del Golfo or the self-proclaimed Gaitanista Self-Defense Forces of Colombia, have influence in 66 of the 125 municipalities of Antioquia, according to the latest report from Antioquia Como Vamos.
Its bastion continues to be Urabá Antioquia, mainly for control of the routes to take cocaine out of the country. They commit crimes in municipalities such as Necoclí, Turbo, Apartadó, Carepa and Chigorodó.
They also have considerable criminal activity in subregions such as Bajo Cauca and Northeast, especially for income related to extortion and illegal mining, and they occupy less territory in areas such as the Southwest, the West, the North, the East and even the Aburrá Valley, where they have alliances with bands from the central east like the Sierra.
As long as this panorama persists and the Clan del Golfo continues to show signs of not wanting to submit to justice, the Government of Andrés Julián Rendón will not accept to participate in the dialogues of the so-called total peace.
2024-11-08 00:21:00
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**Interview with Security Analyst Dr. Mariana López on the Gulf Clan’s Recent Developments**
**Interviewer:** Welcome, Dr. López. There’s been significant news regarding Colombia’s Gulf Clan, particularly their denial of paramilitary origins and requests to have arrest warrants lifted. What are your thoughts on these developments?
**Dr. López:** Thank you for having me. The Gulf Clan’s rejection of its paramilitary roots is quite remarkable, especially because it highlights a broader trend of criminal organizations seeking legitimacy. When they ask for amnesty or political status, it suggests they want to be treated like political actors rather than criminals, which complicates the government’s response.
**Interviewer:** The commander’s request comes amid ongoing conflict in Antioquia, where the Gulf Clan reportedly commits crimes across 53% of the region. How does this connect with the governor’s refusal to negotiate?
**Dr. López:** Governor Andrés Julián Rendón’s steadfast refusal to negotiate is crucial here. His position stems from a belief that engaging with such criminal organizations undermines the rule of law and social stability. By refusing to sit at the negotiation table, he signals to both the public and the government that accountability for crime is paramount. His view emphasizes that peace should not come at the price of legitimizing criminals.
**Interviewer:** Given the government’s invitation to dialogue, what potential impacts could this conflict have on local communities in Antioquia?
**Dr. López:** The ongoing violence and the Gulf Clan’s activities create a climate of fear for local communities. Frequent confrontations between governmental forces and the Clan can lead to civilian casualties and displacement. Additionally, when a powerful group like the Gulf Clan operates unchecked, it can further entrench the cycle of violence and poverty in the region. The governor’s refusal to negotiate could lead to increased military presence, which might temporarily stabilize the situation but also risk exacerbating tensions.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, do you believe there’s a viable long-term solution to combat factions like the Gulf Clan in Colombia?
**Dr. López:** It’s a multifaceted challenge. A viable long-term solution would require addressing root causes such as poverty, lack of education, and social inequality alongside military and law enforcement efforts. Initiating community engagement programs and offering alternative livelihoods can help shift the balance away from criminal affiliations. Dialogue can be a tool, but with the right stipulations to ensure accountability and justice first and foremost.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. López, for your insights. It’s clear that the situation with the Gulf Clan is complex and requires careful consideration from all parties involved.
**Dr. López:** Thank you for having me. It’s an important conversation for the future of Colombia.