2024-08-18 18:02:42
On August 11, 2024, the National Liberation Army (ELN) declared an indefinite armed strike in the south of the department of Chocó, in response to the presence of the Clan del Golfo in its areas of control. This situation has generated a significant impact in the municipalities of Istmina, Medio Baudó, Sipí, Nóvita and Medio San Juan, seriously affecting the daily life of the local population.
According to a statement from the ELN, the decision of the Colombian government not to comply with the agreements reached has exacerbated the situation. In addition, the armed group denounced that the presence of the Military Forces in the region is intended to facilitate the execution of large projects that, in its opinion, seek to deprive the inhabitants of their natural resources. In this context, the ELN announced that it will take strategic positions at the mouths of the Sipí, San Agustín and Brisas rivers, as well as in Barranconcito on the Cajón River.
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The Governor of Chocó, Nubia Córdoba, warned that some 50,000 people are at risk due to this armed strike, including thousands of young people who were waiting to take the Saber 11 tests, necessary to graduate from high school and access greater educational and employment opportunities.
The exam, scheduled for today, Sunday, August 18, 2024, had to be postponed due to the security crisis in the region. The Secretary of Education of Chocó, Gilda Maya, confirmed to Red+ Noticias that the test has been rescheduled for September 8 in 19 municipalities affected by the conflict.
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Gilda Maya stressed that the new date will depend on the progress of the armed strike, emphasizing that the safety of students is the priority. She also called for calm and assured that a roadmap is being drawn up that includes all the necessary measures so that students can take the exam in the best possible conditions.
The municipalities affected by the suspension of the Saber 11 Test include: Sanandocito (Sipí), Union Wounán, Puado, Matare, La Lerma, Macedonia (Middle San Juan), Union Chocó – San Cristobal, Puado – Matare – La Lerma (Istmina), Docordo – Balsalito, Santa Maria de Pangala, Taparal River, Tiosidilio, Togoroma, Buena Vista, Pichimá River, Chagpien, Chagpien Tordo, and the community councils of San Juan – Acadesan and Mayor de Nóvita – Cocoman.