The Bishop of Buenaventura, Bishop Rubén Darío Jaramillo, asked the groups of the Shottas and the Spartans to return to “the path of dialogue” to consolidate peace in this Colombian Pacific port.
The prelate addressed both criminal groups after eight murders were reported in less than three days. The Police are investigating whether the dead were part of one of the two gangs, which usually dispute control of the city.
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In a video, Bishop Jaramillo expressed his solidarity with the families of the victims and called on the Shottas and Spartans to resume “their firm commitment to the peace of Buenaventura.”
In December 2022, Gustavo Petro’s government set up a dialogue table for members of both groups to submit to justice and thus pacify the port.
However, the lack of a legal framework has not allowed progress in this process. Meanwhile, the Shottas and Spartans have been extending a truce whose new expiration date is February 2025.
Mons. Jaramillo asked the national government for “its commitment” and the other institutions to guarantee security and thus allow the population to “enjoy decent conditions in our district.”
“We reiterate that life is sacred, that only God can take it away, that is why we ask Him, the God of life, to help us continue building conditions and opportunities for all,” concluded the Bishop of Buenaventura.
Eduardo Berdejo
Professional in Social Communication from the Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos in Peru, I have more than 20 years of experience in Catholic digital journalism. As part of ACI Prensa I have been sent to cover Pope Francis’ trips to Cuba, Mexico, Colombia and Peru, in addition to the Synodality Synod in the Vatican in 2023.