De La Espriella Sets Ground Rules for Indigenous Protest in Conflict Region

President Abelardo de la Espriella has outlined strict guidelines for an indigenous protest scheduled to take place in Cauca between October 11-14. He has ensured that the demonstration will be peaceful and will not involve road blockades, violence, or attempts to paralyze the department. The protest, organized by the Consejo Regional Indígena del Cauca (CRIC), is set to occur in Caldono, a town that has frequently experienced attacks from FARC dissidents and has a high prevalence of threats from illegal armed groups, such as the National Liberation Army (ELN) guerrilla.

While de la Espriella respects the indigenous peoples of Colombia and is willing to engage with their legitimate authorities, he is firm in his stance against actions that obstruct transportation or seek to impose political conditions through pressure. The CRIC's plans come amid a tense security environment in Cauca, where illegal armed groups pose a significant risk, including child recruitment by FARC dissidents.

The Colombian Ombudsman's Office registered 14 cases of forced recruitment of children and adolescents in Cauca between January and May 2026, ranking second only to Norte de Santander. Notably, indigenous children made up nearly half of the reported victims. Additionally, the Pan-American Highway, a crucial transportation route, has been repeatedly targeted by illegal armed groups.

In August, a car bomb injured two security guards and damaged homes. In September, an explosive device near the Cauca-Nariño border killed one soldier and wounded two others. The government has also decided to investigate the COP$1.13 billion pesos given to CRIC by the leftist government of Gustavo Petro to appease its leadership.

De la Espriella emphasized that while Colombians have the right to demonstrate peacefully, this right cannot be used to infringe upon the rights of others. He clearly stated that any actions blocking roads, destroying property, or attacking security forces and citizens will be met with the full force of the state.