Under the magnifying glass of local and national authorities is the recent conflict that has been occurring between farmers in the rural area of the municipality of Astrea, where almost one hundred families claim to have been displaced by armed farmers who also seek to benefit from the properties of the La Esmeralda farm, granted by the National Land Agency, in that jurisdiction.
Eduardo Esquivel López, Secretary of the Departmental Government, reported that dialogues have already begun to resolve this unfortunate situation, and for which he highlighted the intervention of the Tenth Brigade of the Army and the Ombudsman in Cesar, who are addressing the conflict between displaced peasants.
“The national government must prioritize vulnerable communities with roots in the area, for the allocation of land. Although there was a violent eviction by a group of farmers, it is also necessary to understand that they are requesting land to be cultivated,” he assured.
He urged the parties to avoid violence and seek solutions with the support of institutions. The Departmental Table of Victims and the Colombian Institute of Family Welfare are also participating in this process to guarantee the rights of those affected.
The Ombudsman in Cesar, José Hernández, has held direct conversations with these farmers to establish the necessary guidelines so that they can also be beneficiaries of land. “We will not allow anarchy and violence and this is being avoided through the National Police and the Army,” Esquivel reiterated.