Arnold Alexander Rincón López, who serves as the General Director of the Corporación Autónoma Regional para el Desarrollo Sostenible Chocó (Codchocó), has become the subject of a troubling mystery following his abduction nineteen days ago in Istmina. The armed group responsible for his kidnapping remains unidentified, and there has been a distinct lack of news since this alarming incident. What is particularly concerning is that the administration of Gustavo Petro appears to have largely overlooked the case, raising serious questions about government responsiveness in such dire situations.
The 56-year-old engineer – an expert in Agroforestry – was ambushed by armed men while he was traveling on a road connected to Quibdó and the Istmina commune (Chocó). This violent act occurred around five o’clock in the evening on April 26. Rincón was on his way back to the department’s capital after delivering a report on his management activities to the community during his tenure at Codchocó.
Arnold Alexander Rincón López, director de la Corporación Autónoma Regional Chocó. Foto:Cortesía
In a recent interview with El Tiempo, Olga Lucía Alfonso Lannini, the director of the Corporación Autónoma Regional de Tolima (Cortolima) and the president of the Asociación de Corporaciones Autónomas Regionales y Desarrollo Sostenible (Asociación), which connects 33 of these environmental entities, voiced a strong appeal for respect for their lives and called for the safe and sound release of Arnold Alexander Rincón López. Alfonso addressed mounting concerns about threats faced by officials in the regional autonomous corporations, acknowledging the palpable fear and anxiety prevalent among them.
What exactly is being asked of the government of Gustavo Petro and, specifically, the Ministry of Defense?
The 33 environmental corporations in Colombia have urgently requested assistance in acquiring information about our colleague, our director, Arnold Alexander Rincón, who has dedicated his life to protecting the biological diversity of the Chocó department.
What is currently known about the whereabouts of the Codchocó director?
As of now, there is no detailed information available. We do not have any leads and remain uncertain about the fate of the director of Codchocó. Nevertheless, we hold onto hope that he will soon be returned to us safely.
Why has he been missing for nearly 20 days without any news?
The lack of concern from the national government regarding this pressing issue is alarming. We perceive a significant silence and passivity from the authorities in terms of actionable measures that could facilitate finding him alive.
Olga Lucía Alfonso has requested protection for the officials of the corporation throughout the country. Foto:Cortolima
What do environmental corporations think about this unfortunate situation? What actions are they planning to take?
This incident marks a serious affront against environmental authorities. We believe the government bears responsibility for negligence because such a situation could have been prevented through a stronger security system and better coordination with relevant authorities.
Have environmental corporations previously raised concerns over insecurity issues in their regions?
Since February of last year, ASOCARS has sought mediation from the Ministry of the Environment and Sustainable Development to ensure the justified exercise of environmental authorities in areas affected by presumed illegal armed groups that imposed restrictions on the access of corporation personnel, thus compromising their integrity and limiting their ability to fulfill their institutional mission.
Have armed groups made threats against certain regional corporate directors?
Indeed, we have encountered some threats and are actively seeking protection. There is a pressing need for security to allow us to operate throughout all territories. For instance, communities in southern Tolima feel significantly threatened.
Have 33 corporate directors formally requested protection given this armed harassment?
We have approached the Ministry of the Interior, the National Protection Agency, the Police, and the Prosecutor’s Office, requesting a risk analysis, as well as the establishment of protection programs for general corporate directors due to the sensitive nature of the work we conduct in critical regions of the country.
Director Arnold Rincón has been a hostage for 19 days by an unknown group. Foto:Cortolima
Is it becoming increasingly difficult for personnel to carry out their environmental duties in various departments?
We noted that over 70 percent of vehicle personnel are operationally and environmentally active in this particular area, making their safety and integrity a state priority. It is imperative that established security protocols, as mandated by the Constitution and the law, be activated so we can continue our vital mission of environmental protection with guaranteed safety.
Have you faced any threats in Tolima?
In my case, I had to request police and military escort due to potential risks, as we have many important responsibilities that must be fulfilled on a daily basis.
Is there a prevailing atmosphere of fear regarding the ongoing uncertainty?
There is a growing sense of concern, compounded by the lack of information or communication about our friend, our director from Codchocó.
Do you believe that the security situation for automotive personnel is precarious?
The atmosphere of fear is indicative of the rising tide of violence and uncertainty that threatens our personnel throughout the nation. In light of this, we appeal to the president of the Republic, as well as the ministers of interior, defense, and environment.
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