A group of foreign tourists unintentionally stumbled upon a funeral for a commander of an illegal armed group while descending from the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. The travelers had just completed a grueling trek to the Lost City and were confronted by 100 armed men mourning their fallen comrade. The funeral conducted by the Sierra Nevada Self-Defense Forces showcased their territorial control and criminal activities. These self-defense groups play a policing role in the region, regulating both crime and tourism activities.
Criminal governance
The ACSN, a neo-paramilitary group, have maintained control over the Sierra Nevada for decades, adapting and mutating to evade authorities. They extort businesses and residents, ensuring security in the area against common crime. The group’s presence impacts the tourism industry, with operators paying for the right to operate in the region.
Testimonies from the tourism sector
Tour guides and tourism officials deny direct extortion by armed groups but acknowledge their policing role in the community. The clash between ACSN and the Gulf Clan highlights the complex dynamics of criminal governance in the region.
Total peace
While the ACSN express interest in joining Colombia’s total peace plan, their criminal activities hinder the process. Recent arrests of leaders and failed negotiations demonstrate the challenges in integrating these groups into the peace roadmap.
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