Colombian Farmers Fight Back Against Oil Companies

Introduction

Colombia's decades-long armed conflict has led to the displacement of thousands of farmers and indigenous communities. Now, in a rural area known as La Osa, 150 families have returned to reclaim their land and take on the multinational oil companies that are trying to displace them once again.

Background: A History of Displacement

Colombia's armed conflict has resulted in over 177,000 civilian deaths, 25,000 disappearances, and 5.7 million refugees. Multinational corporations operating in the country have been accused of 12,000 extra-judicial killings, 3,753 disappearances, and 1 million forced displacements. In La Osa, the Occidental Petroleum Corporation and its affiliate companies are under investigation for crimes and the forced displacement of farmers and indigenous communities.

The Fight for Land

After being forcibly displaced from their land 19 years ago, the farmers of La Osa have returned to reclaim what is rightfully theirs. They have faced threats and intimidation from the oil companies, but their determination remains strong.

A Showdown with the Police

In an attempt to resolve the farmers' claims, the local government sent a police inspector to deal with the situation. However, tensions escalated when anti-riot police were also present. The farmers expressed their frustration at the presence of the police and their attempts to force them off their land.

The Land's Devastation

The farmers of La Osa highlight the environmental damage caused by Occidental Petroleum's operations. They speak of dried-up rivers and the loss of a once-thriving fishing industry due to the exploitation of their land for oil extraction.

A Victory for the Farmers

Despite attempts by the oil company to accelerate the process and invoke the wrong decree, the police inspector ruled in favor of the farmers. The land in question was deemed not economically exploited, which was a crucial factor in dismissing the oil company's claim. While the company plans to appeal, the farmers celebrate a temporary victory and vow to continue working their land.

Conclusion

The fight between Colombian farmers and multinational oil companies continues, but for now, justice has prevailed. The farmers of La Osa have reclaimed their land and are determined to protect it from further displacement.

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By: Rodrigo Vázquez-Salessi
Title: Colombian Farmers Fight Back Against Oil Companies
Sourced From: therealnews.com/farmers-in-colombia-fight-multinational-oil-companies-to-get-their-land-back
Published Date: Fri, 15 Dec 2023 19:52:09 +0000