Why "Macaco" matters to Colombia's peace processes

[Judi Lynn]

Former narco helped rearm paramilitaries after AUC demobilization
by Adriaan Alsema August 25, 2023

Jailed drug trafficker and paramilitary chief “Macaco” says his influence went all the way up to Colombia’s Supreme Court. Macaco, whose real name is Carlos Mario Jimenez, reiterated last week that he wants to submit to the war crimes tribunal JEP and expose, among other things, these ties.

On the same day, the JEP invited the man who turned counterinsurgency into a lucrative business to testify about his possible contribution to justice on November 8 and 9.

Speaking at an event organized by the Foreign Ministry, Macaco made a number of impressive promises about the future revelations of the former commander of the AUC’s Central Bolivar Bloc (BCB).

Claims made by Macaco

Former Supreme Court president Leonidas Burgos and former chief prosecutor Nestor Humberto Martinez sought to abuse their judicial power to “systematically try and destroy” President Gustavo Petro’s public image.

Paramilitaries and politicians conspired to appropriate the funds of State-controlled companies like oil firm Ecopetrol.

Paramilitary organization AUC infiltrated Colombia’s top courts to secure the outcome of the elections of the president, congress, the chief prosecutor and regional authorities.

Martinez sabotaged Macaco’s testimonies over ties between his Central Bolivar Bloc and politicians.

. . .

The BCB commander became so influential that US foreign aid agency USAID granted Macaco’s palm oil company a $161,000 “alternative development” grant in 2004.

More:
https://colombiareports.com/why-macaco-matters-to-colombias-peace-processes/