The Wiwa indigenous community, of which many had to leave their native lands surrounding the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta region during the forced mass displacements of 2004-2006, continue to be threatened by illegally armed groups operating in the region, El Heraldo reported Tuesday.
Although the government has officially guaranteed the security of Wiwa territories, according to human rights coordinator Julian Daza Malo, a document released by the town’s ombudsman shows that the Wiwa populations in La Sierra, El Cesar, and La Guaijira, continue to face threats from illegal groups trying to control the region.
The war between the Colombian government and Illegally armed groups, such as left-wing guerilla groups the FARC and ELN, also threaten indigenous communities.
According to the article, the indigenous communities in La Laguna and near the Jerez river have been the most affected by conflict between government forces and illegally armed groups.
On Sunday, thirteen alleged FARC and ELN guerrillas were arrested in a joint police and army operation in the north-east Colombian department of La Guajira.