U'wa people intensify occupation of gas plant in Colombia after 50 day protest

Indigenous group argues government not implementing 2014 deal · Plant owner demands end to blockade

21.07.201611.45h

Indigenous U'wa occupy the plant. Author: ONIC

A protest staged by indigenous U'wa people is increasing after the community argued the government has no intention to honour an agreement signed with them in 2014. After a 50 day-long protest in which indigenous guards have been blocking access to the plant and occupying its outer areas, now the activists have entered the complex itself. They say they will not end the protest until the Colombian government "meets the requirements" of the U'wa nation.

The 2014 U'wa-Colombian government agreement envisaged measures to repair environmental damage to the U'wa territory due to oil exploitation. The deal also recognized the U'wa people some titles of land ownership. Furthermore, the purchase of lands in U'wa territory owned by non-indigenous people, and their transfer to the U'wa community, was also foreseen.

Indigenous organitzation Asou'wa blames Colombian government delegates of "unwillingness" to comply with the 2014 agreements after two meetings held by U'wa and government representatives on 22 and 30 June this year.

The occupation of the Gibraltar I plant is the response by the U'wa activists to that situation. Speaking to Radio Caracol, community leader Ana Benilda Tegra said an U'wa indigenous guard has shut down the system that powers the plant.

Meanwhile, plant owner Ecopetrol is rejecting the occupation. The 88% state-owned enterprise says the 50-day blockade is having an impact on 500,000 families in the department of Santander. The company is asking the indigenous activists "to desist from de facto actions, and to privilege dialogue and consultation."