Colombian Drug Cartel Clan del Golfo Agrees to Government Negotiations
The Colombian criminal organization Clan del Golfo, known for its involvement in drug trafficking and violence, has recently expressed readiness to negotiate with the government. This comes after Colombian President Gustavo Petro offered to negotiate “for the last time” with the group.
In a statement released by Clan del Golfo, the organization expressed their acceptance of the President’s offer and their willingness to engage in political negotiations for social transformation. President Petro, however, has made it clear that the organization must give up their criminal activities such as drug trafficking, extortion, and immigrant smuggling if they wish to proceed with negotiations.
Addressing Clan del Golfo directly, President Petro challenged the organization to show courage and engage in negotiations, warning that if they do not comply, the government will fight and destroy them.
Clan del Golfo, also known as the Gulf Clan, reportedly has between 6,000 and 9,000 armed members. The organization made headlines recently for an armed attack on soldiers in the Antioquia region, which resulted in the death of four soldiers.
The former leader of Clan del Golfo, Dairo Antonio Usuga David, also known as “Otoniel”, was captured in a large-scale operation in October 2021. He was extradited to the United States on charges related to drug trafficking.
As tensions between the government and Clan del Golfo continue, the possibility of negotiations offers a glimmer of hope for peace and stability in Colombia. Time will tell whether this criminal organization will choose the path of dialogue or face further confrontation with the authorities.
