Instability and violence in Nariño, Colombia

The Nariño department in Colombia continues to face multifaceted challenges involving human rights, environmental risks, and escalating violence. The Colombian Ombudsman's Office (Defensoría del Pueblo) has been conducting field visits to address the needs of local communities and peace signatories. In Tumaco, officials have focused on housing, security, and essential services, while also assessing risks from coastal erosion that threatens approximately 87 residents.

Simultaneously, the region experiences significant instability due to armed conflict. In Policarpa, a National Police anti-drug operation led to armed clashes with illegal groups during a cocaine seizure, resulting in rifle fire directed at an aircraft and civilians caught in the crossfire. This violence follows broader trends identified by the Unidad para las Víctimas, which labels Nariño as the most violence-affected region in Colombia, noting that forced displacement, threats, and confinement disproportionately impact indigenous and Afro-descendant communities.

In response to the security challenges in the Pacific region of Nariño, the Hercules Task Force reported that 26 men and women voluntarily surrendered their weapons during 2026. Colonel William Morales Guerrero, commander of the task force, stated that these surrenders reflect the impact of sustained military operations in the area. These individuals have been placed at the disposal of authorities to begin legal processes for institutional reintegration programs as they transition to civilian life. The military noted that such departures reduce the capacity of armed organizations to maintain members and exert pressure on local communities.