Colombia: Bombing destroys bishops’ residence and offices

Early on November 2nd, an explosion aimed at the police station in Guapi, southwest Colombia, killed three people and destroyed a large part of the bishop’s residence and the offices of the Apostolic Vicariate of Guapi.  

The explosion left the Church buildings “practically destroyed, tearing down walls, doors, windows, and the ceilings of the curia and the bishops’ house, leaving them in ruins,” said Father Arnulfo Moreno Quiñonez, the provicar of Guapi, who expressed his grief for the loss of human life and the effect of the explosion on the local community. “We regret the loss of life, the pain of the wounded, the grief of the families, and the despair of a society that dreams of living in peace,” said Father Moreno, who is a project partner of Aid to the Church in Need (ACN). 

The Apostolic Vicariate of Guapi is located in a region near the Pacific coast that has deep humanitarian, material, and spiritual needs, and is frequently rocked by violence carried out by armed groups that operate outside of the law. This recent attack is thought to have been carried out by a rebel group and was likely aimed at the police station. But for some reason, the blast occurred in the middle of the town square.  

“It was before five in the morning, following a shootout. The hour of the day helped avoid a bigger tragedy, because the square is usually very busy, with lots of children, during the day. This is a terrible event for us and for the population of Guapi,” said Father Moreno. “But with the help of God, and with your prayers, we will move forward. Thank God the priest who sleeps in the curia was out on mission; otherwise, he, too, would have been killed by the explosion. The material damage can be rebuilt, but you can’t replace human life,” he added.  

The Bishops’ Conference of Colombia has already reacted to the explosion, with a strong statement against the attack, highlighting the devastating effect of this violence on peace and social stability. “We strongly condemn the criminal acts that aim to spread panic and desolation, affecting the tranquility of the populations and undermining social order. We call on those involved to cease this path of terror and invest in dialogue, which is the only way that leads to peace,” the statement reads.  

In the same vein, Father Moreno has called on the community to reject violence. “We invite everyone to get off the roads of panic and death, and draw near to the ways of dialogue and reconciliation, so that together we can build and enjoy peace as brothers.” 

The Cauca Pacific region, where Guapi is located, has been at the center of several conflicts over the past 40 years. Since the 1980s, drug traffickers have used the area as a port of exit and entry to the ocean. Insurgent incursions and illegal mining have created an atmosphere of violence, made worse by the state’s weak presence. Currently, Guapi is also the scene of clashes between the Colombian Revolutionary Armed Forces (FARC) and the National Liberation Army (ELN), armed dissident groups.  

ACN calls for prayers for peace in this region, where conflict and violence particularly affect the most vulnerable people. ACN has visited Guapi on several occasions over the past year, witnessing difficulties first-hand while evaluating future projects. The foundation has provided the vicariate with essential means of transport, including boats and outboard motors, as well as helping with the formation of catechists, thereby strengthening the pastoral and community work in the region.