Choco: Another Leader Murdered

"Gimena Sanchez"

January 18, 2010

Dear Supporters of Afro-Colombian Rights,


AFRODES USA and the Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA) are sad to report that on January 13 an alleged paramilitary assassinated Argenito Diaz, a community leader from Llano Rico (Chocó). In January 2009, Mr. Diaz formed part of a legal action along with other members of the Curvaradó and Jiguamiandó communities (BajoAtratoRiver area, Chocó) against oil palm industrialists illegally operating in Afro-Colombian collective territories. As a result of this case, the Chocó Tribunal ruled that the oil palm companies must cease their operations within forty eight hours and that the government must act within forty-five days should these companies refuse to stop their illegal activities. Mr. Diaz, who is survived by nine children, was killed because of his brave efforts. He courageously attempted to stand up against paramilitary criminal structures in the Chocó and to seek justice for his community.


On December 24th, we reported the death of three other Afro-Colombians in this area of Chocó. We strongly condemn these murders, the on-going death threats against the leaders and NGO supporters of the Curvaradó and Jiguamiandó communities, Chocó. Unless bold steps are taken on the part of the Colombian authorities to dismantle the operational structures of the illegal armed groups and to peacefully and effectively implement the rulings in the Curvaradó and Jiguamiandó case, the security situation for all concerned will continue to deteriorate.

We ask that you urge U.S. Ambassador William Brownfield in Colombia to send a clear message to the Colombian authorities that U.S. citizens will not accept any more murders linked to illegal armed groups operating in the Chocó and in other parts of the country where Afro-Colombian communities live. Ambassador Brownfield should also be reminded that the murder of Mr. Diaz is a violation of the human rights condition pertaining to the rights of Afro-Colombians that the Secretary of State must implement in order for Colombia to receive U.S. military assistance. Ambassador Brownfield can be reached via email at AmbassadorB@state.go

U.S. officials should insist that the Colombian authorities:


1) Publicly condemn the murders of Mr. Diaz and the three Afro-Colombians killed in December.

2) Urge the Attorney General promptly and effectively investigate these murders and bring the perpetrators and intellectual authors of these crimes to justice.

3) Support the self-protection initiatives developed by Afro-Colombians and mestizos who inhabit the humanitarian and biodiversity zones.

4) Implement the decisions made by judicial and other authorities in the case of Curvaradó and Jiguamiandó including Court Order 222, the Chocó tribunal ruling and Incoder resolutions, as well as advance in the case against the 23 oil palm industrialists.

Please be sure to inform AFRODES USA of any responses you receive from the U.S. Embassy by emailing Marino Cordoba at macobe2001@yahoo.com

For further information on this case, please contact Gimena Sanchez-Garzoli of WOLA at (202) 797-2171.
Gimena Sanchez-Garzoli

Senior Associate for Colombia and the Andes

Washington Office on Latin America

Tele: (202) 797-2171 ext. 205

Cell: (202) 489-1702

The Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA) is a US human rights organization that promotes democracy and socioeconomic justice in Latin America and the Caribbean through analysis and foreign policy proposals informed by strong partnerships with civil society counterparts in the region. Visit WOLA’s website to sign up for more information or donate now to help WOLA carry out its work.