Image from Ascamcat video.
Over the last several days, the Catatumbo Peasant Association (Ascamcat) has held its Extraordinary Assembly and Political Training School for Heroes and Martyrs in the Catatumbo region of Colombia.
Ascamcat notes that this was “a space for meeting, reflection, and learning to strengthen peasant organization and the defense of the territory.”
At the conclusion of the Assembly, Ascamcat posted:
“The ASCAMCAT Assembly left a roadmap for the Catatumbo.
After the meeting, the organization reaffirmed its commitment to the defense of life, dignity, and permanence in the territory; the strengthening of the peasant organization; social participation and mobilization; the construction of alternatives for the communities and the search for paths to peace.
Seven conclusions that mark the course of ASCAMCAT towards the new scenarios that the Catatumbo faces.
Because organizing is also building peace.”
Their video reel posted on Facebook further highlights:
“Well, what did the Ascamcat Assembly decide? Seven conclusions that make it clear where the Catatumbo peasant wants to go.
First, to defend life, dignity and permanence in the territory.
Second, to reject the violence and injustice that the peasant population continues to experience.
Third, to reject the policies and actions that, according to Ascamcat, deepen the war, including forced humiliation and eradication.
Fourth, to strengthen the peasant organization and the political formation and the leadership of the communities, especially the women.
Fifth, to prepare for the participation and mobilization scenarios in this upcoming 2027.
Sixth, to continue defending the gradual substitution that is explicit in the fourth point of the final peace agreement.
Seventh, to insist on dialogue as a path to the construction of peace.
Seven conclusions, an idea that goes through all of us, because the Catatumbo wants to continue defending life and building its own path to peace.”
At PBI-Canada we continue to follow the work of Ascamcat and the physical accompaniment provided by PBI-Colombia.
