CAFOD blog

REUTERS/Martin Acosta, courtesy www.alertnet.org

Last week’s estimated 30 deaths in the Pando department in lowland Bolivia are not a result of so-called clashes between supporters of the Evo Morales government and opposition groups.

What we are talking about here is a well-planned ambush and massacre of people who dare to hold views that are different to those who hold all power in this part of Bolivia.

Before joining CAFOD, I lived and worked with some of these very impoverished and excluded indigenous communities similar to those attacked last week.

I have been personally confronted with the aggressive attitudes of those who seek to keep control of power and resources at the expense of others.

The people killed last week are innocent victims, but certainly not passive ones.

In fact, their “crime” has been to wake up and become actors of their own development, to stand up for their own rights.

It was no coincidence that the victims of the massacre were leaders of small farmers’ and casual labourers’ organisations

For years, under threats and aggressions by so-called “matones” (something between a bodyguard and mercenary), they have gone ahead with the demarcation of their land as part of the process to formalise ownership of the land they work to survive.

And they have started putting their needs to the local and departmental governments.

And this is what real, sustainable development is all about: people organising themselves to analyse their needs, look for solutions and seek support from government where appropriate.

The problem is, as these communities who have suffered exclusion and poverty for over 500 years reclaim their rights and their dignity, they threaten the privileges, extreme wealth and control over resources of a small minority.

And it is now becoming clear that this minority is willing to go to almost any length to hold on to what was never rightfully theirs in the first place.

I am praying that these terrible provocations do not lead to further violence.

I also hope with all my heart that both the government, indigenous and farmer organisations and opposition groups are able to respect and listen to each other in the dialogue that is now again talked about.

This dialogue should find the road to the Bolivia which was so clearly demanded by an overwhelming majority of Bolivians (67%) in the recent recall referendum.

A Bolivia that is diverse but equal, inclusive, peaceful and just.

Posted by KarenL

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