Social leaders assassinated in Cauca, Colombia

Social leaders María Ovidia Palechor and James Flor were assassinated in the Cajibío municipality of Cauca, Colombia. Armed men entered the couple's residence in the La Pedregosa/Las Casitas sector and opened fire, killing both individuals at the scene.

María Ovidia Palechor was a prominent Yanacona indigenous leader and a former recipient of the National Award for the Defense of Human Rights. She had served as a coordinator for human rights and women's programs for the Regional Indigenous Council of Cauca (CRIC). James Flor was a recognized community and peasant leader involved with the Victims' Table.

Indepaz and the Ombudsman's Office have highlighted the high-risk environment in Cajibío, noting the territorial control exerted by armed structures, specifically the dissident group known as the Frente Jaime Martínez. This group is reported to conduct patrols and illegal checkpoints, restricting local mobility. The deaths bring the total number of social leaders killed in Colombia to 103.