Some 1,500 people departed from Barbacoas, in the southern department of Nariño, in search of the bodies of at least 14 members of the Awa indigenous community, killed in two distinct attacks in February attributed to the guerrillas of the FARC (Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia). The Awa had already announced the expedition at the end of February: they went alone in the jungle to search for their companions, but found no trace; only three bodies were found at the end of February. The 'humanitarian march' (minga in native language) is expected to last at least ten days: the natives will cross a jungle area riddled with mines to reach the village of Tortugaña –Telembí where at least one of the killings took place. The attacks were denounced and firmly condemned last month by the United Nations. The FARC guerrillas admitted to killing 8 indigenous, accused of collaborating with the armed forces, but according to the National Indigenous Organisation of Colombia (ONIC), at least another 10 Awa were assassinated in the nearby El Sande settlement. The Awa, who decided to personally conduct the search after asking the FARC to return the bodies to no avail, called on all armed groups active in the area - where paramilitary squadrons are also present - to temporarily cease all hostilities. Despite their neutrality in the internal conflict, the Awa of Nariño continue to be targeted by attacks by all the armed forces present in the area, and are often victims of forced disappearances and displacements.
[BO]
