Government defends “peace managers” after dismissal aka Pichi: they ask the State Council not to overturn the figure
The government of President Gustavo Petro reiterated its support for the figure of “peace managers”, despite the recent release of Óscar Camargo, known as Pichi, who was described as one of the most dangerous drug traffickers in Bucaramanga (Santander). This decision provoked a strong rejection in various sectors of society, including the mayor of the city, Jaime Andrés Beltrán himself, who called the dismissal a “mockery” for everyone.
in this sense The Minister of Justice, Ángela María Buitrago, spoke publicly to call on the Council of State to preserve the decree that allows the figure of “peace managers”. In her speech, the High Representative argued that these people have knowledge of social conflicts and are essential to achieving effective solutions: “What peace managers allow us to say is that they are committed to peace. And I think you’ll get one more individual for peace there.”
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This defense of the character of peace managers arises after the scandal surrounding the release of the alias Pichi, who, despite his criminal record, was considered by the national government to be a potential collaborator in the dismantling of criminal networks. According to Buitrag’s statements, the selection of these people is based on their ability to identify and solve real conflicts: “If I don’t know what the real conflict is, I won’t know how to solve it.”
“I believe that Colombia has been making positions towards peace for a long time. And in the face of peace, it also means talking about justices of the peace. The figure of magistrates was a figure established by the Constitution of 91, which has a tradition in Colombia and which allows us to say that they are judges who apply rationality, social issues and understand and listen to the parties.“said the minister when asked about the character of the peace managers, according to several media outlets present, such as the radio station FM.
The minister added that these individuals “also have a very important obligation. “Peace managers have to reach out to residents who have been in violence, who have been in conflict, and also show them the important elements.”
It should be noted that the figure of the peace manager was implemented by the government of President Gustav Petr as part of the strategy of his “Total Peace” project.‘. This initiative seeks to appoint exceptional persons in conflict contexts in Colombia in order to facilitate dialogues and find solutions. An example of this is former paramilitary commander Salvatore Mancuso, who was appointed peace manager a few months ago and whose main function is to liaise with the various sectors involved in the Colombian conflict.
“And these peace managers know which conflicts really have the two cores, the three cores, or the social cores.” The peace managers allow us to say that they are going to commit to peace and I believe they will get one more individual for peace there,” the senior official mentioned.
On the other hand, the response of the community and local authorities was immediate. Mayor Beltrán expressed his outrage and questioned the government’s decision to release an individual with such a significant criminal record.
President Gustavo Petro, they demand results from the mayors in the field of security, but the government will release one of the worst criminals in the history of the city. It is outrageous that the public force works so hard for nothing. “This is a mockery for Bucaramanga!” wrote to his X account.
