The demobilization process proposed in the talks would involve about 14,000 people belonging to between 350 and 400 criminal gangs. Colprensa/External
On Friday 2 June 2023, after ten months of exploratory rapprochement between the Government and criminal gangs of the Vallé de Aburráinstalled the negotiating table in the maximum security prison Itagui (Antioquia).
In the subregion consists of 10 municipalities, including MedellinThe aim is to subjugate these armed structures that have violently ravaged several areas. Accordingly Office of the High Commissioner for Peacethe process of demobilization would include something 14,000 people that belong in between 350 to 400 criminal gangs.
The High Commissioner for Peace, Danilo Ruedaexpressed that Importance of women in binding dialogues for peace in this region. According to Rueda, the role of mothers, wives, sisters and friends will be fundamental in helping members of criminal groups in Medellín and the Aburrá Valley, “Be true spokesmen of peace”.
“Those who search for food for their children every day. “Counselors encourage their children to avoid violence or call them to the path of peace while they are exposed to violence,” she explained during the event.
The installation of the negotiating table was attended by representatives of social organizations, congressman, international community And church delegates.
Rueda announced the names of the Government negotiator in this process. The group has three women: the senator Isabel Cristina Zuletathe former commissar of truth Lucy Gonzalez and the community leader Maria Gisela Quintero. They are joined by the former Security Minister of Antioquia, Jorge Mejia.
Installation of the negotiating table between the government and the criminal gangs of the Aburrá Valley. Photo: Camilo Alzate Gonzalez
The process will also act as an advisor: Fernando QuijanoJournalist and urban crime expert; Mikhail Laugher, political scientist and philosopher; some experts on security, economic and social development issues; And John Giraldo, Lawyer and human rights defender who has accompanied communities in Antioquia and has also worked with the Corporación Jurídica Libertad.
For their part, the armed structures also announced the names of the delegates to the negotiation process. Is about Juan Carlos Mesa Vallejo, Jorge de Jesus Vallejo Alarcon, Gustavo Adolfo Perez Pena, Juan Camilo Rendon Castro, Albert Antonio Henao Avecedo, Freyner Ramirez And Maurice de Jesus Morales. As announced, there will be substitute speakers.
Accordingly Medellin City Hallin May the murders down 41% compared to the same period in 2022. This was the least violent month so far this year fewer murders in 40 years in the Aburrá Valley region.
the mayor of the city, Daniel QuinteroHe said he hopes that with the dialogues, the level of violence will continue to fall and that something like this can be achieved “The True Path to Peace”.
The Minister of Justice also attended the event Nestor Osunawho said that efforts are being made to achieve this through various legal strategies a peace that respects the rights of victims, but also due process for those who have committed crimes. “It is a process that can improve coexistence. The government is aware that any peace agreement must respect and respect the rights of victims. We think about repairs that make a difference.”
In the joint statement This explains the stages the process has gone through, the support of the international community has been acknowledged and some commitments have been agreed, such as civil society involvement in the dialogues. The following was found about the latter These participation mechanisms will be announced in the coming weeks..
Joint declaration starting the urban peace process in Medellín and the Aburrá Valley. @PeaceCommissioner/Twitter