U’wa traditional authorities of the indigenous communities of Bocota, Tegria, Rotarbaria, Bachira, Rinconada, Barrosa, Mulera, Cascajal. Aguablanca, Unicacias, Tamara, Tamarana and the U’wa High Council use this communique to denounce the physical, psychological and moral assault on us by several individuals who appear to belong to some insurgent group that operates in the region of Sarare.
1. In the afternoon of Saturday 20 May 2000 an individual approached the area where the U’wa are gathered on the bridge over Cobaria River. He said “that it would be better that we clear the road because the only thing we deserve is to be blown up.”
2. On the morning of 29 May 2000 a white car approached from the direction of Samore. It came up to the barricade on the other side of the bridge over Cobaria River where the indigenous peoples blocked its way forward. On seeing the opposition of the community members, the people in the vehicle took out small guns and threatened them; saying that “we should clear the way”. Then the indigenous people moved towards them and the people got straight back into the car and left.
In light of these acts taking place in our area of mobilization, we reject all violent acts that threaten our just, pacific struggle to defend our territory and the cultural and ancestral rights of the U’wa people.
Cubara, 29 May 2000
THE U’WA HIGH COUNCIL (CABILDO MAYOR) –
TRADITIONAL U’WA AUTHORITIES
ASRAYU BOCOTA
BUHARASU BARROSA
BUAKUBO BARROSA
RUBUKU TEGRIA
KUIORU COBARIA
