PBI-Colombia accompanies campesina Jani Silva in the Amazonian Putumayo region where oil companies operate

Montreal-based journalist Lital Khaikin writes that the Calgary-based oil company Gran Tierra operates in the Putumayo region of Colombia.

She further notes that campesina leader Jani Silva is accompanied by “volunteer, unarmed bodyguards with the Peace Brigades.”

Khaikin’s article also explains:

“Brent Patterson, director of Peace Brigades International—Canada, said the Comandos de la Frontera and the Carolina Ramírez Front, non-state armed groups active in the region, are suspected by human rights monitors [of threats against Silva, including a threat to blow up an armoured car provided to her by a state protection agency].”

“Javier Gárate, U.S. Policy Advisor at Global Witness explained that oil companies in Putumayo have long collaborated with armed groups who control territories, transport corridors, and charge extortion fees. ‘[Without that collaboration] oil companies wouldn’t be able to function in Putumayo,’ he said.”

“Silva herself has recently stated, ‘We can’t deny the evident complicity between armed groups and oil companies, through the company’s sub-contractors.'”

The full article can be read at Justice for Jani Silva: Colombian campesina activist Jani Silva threatened in Putumayo (by Lital Khaikin, rabble.ca, February 7, 2025).