Ex-FARC Commander Murdered in Colombia, Leaders Urge for Safety

Fellow leaders of murdered Wilson Saavedra, a former guerrilla commander of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), condemned the attack and demanded justice and protection for the ex-guerrillas.

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Jorge Enrique Corredor, known as Wilson Saavedra was murdered Tuesday afternoon after being shot several times in Valleucano, a municipality of Tulua.

He was shot five times and was later transferred to a local health center where he succumbed to his injuries.

Saavedra was 49 years old and worked in agricultural projects in Valle del Cauca with other ex-combatants reincorporated into society.

This is the 130th murder of former guerillas since they signed a peace agreement in 2016 with the Manuel Santos administration. Over 500 social leaders have been murdered since then.

Pablo Catatumbo, a senator demanded “respect for life” from President Ivan Duque.

"The security situation of those who sign peace is increasingly critical and the National Government shows no will to resolve it. We need answers,” said Congresswoman Victoria Sandino.

FARC Senator Carlos Antonio Lozada urged the halt of killings of ex-guerrillas and holding those responsible accountable. 

A few hours later, the Association of Indigenous Cabildos - Cxhab Wala Kiwe of Colombia denounced the murder of Indigenous leader Daniel Rojas, who was president of the Communal Action Board of the Caloto municipality in the department of Cauca.