# Security of social leaders in Colombia

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/security-of-social-leaders-in-colombia
> Updated: 2026-09-09T23:59:45.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 2.

In Cauca, Colombia, social leaders María Ovidia Palechor, a Yanacona indigenous leader, and James Flor, a community and peasant leader, were assassinated in the Cajibío municipality. Armed men entered their residence and opened fire, killing both. Reports from Indepaz and the Ombudsman’s Office indicate that the Frente Jaime Martínez, a dissident group, maintains territorial control in the area through patrols and illegal checkpoints.

In Cundinamarca, authorities reported a decrease in alleged threats against community groups during August. However, officials continue to monitor high-risk areas such as Soacha and Viotá. The Departmental Guarantee Table for the Protection of Social Leaders has scheduled visits to Soacha to assess security conditions and establish protective measures for leaders and the broader community through a multi-institutional monitoring process.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-09: Cundinamarca authorities review security risks for social leaders

While threats against social leaders in Cundinamarca decreased in August, authorities are conducting security reviews in Soacha and Viotá to mitigate ongoing risks to community members.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cundinamarca-authorities-review-security-risks-for-social-leaders

### 2026-09-02: Social leaders assassinated in Cauca, Colombia

Social leaders María Ovidia Palechor and James Flor were assassinated by armed men in Cajibío, Cauca, amid ongoing territorial control by dissident armed groups in the region.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/social-leaders-assassinated-in-cauca-colombia

---
Cite as: Security of social leaders in Colombia. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/security-of-social-leaders-in-colombia