In a powerful demonstration, thousands of citizens gathered in Culiacán, Mexico, to voice their urgent demand for an end to the escalating violence that has plagued the city. This protest reflects the growing frustration among residents of Sinaloa, where the ongoing conflict between rival factions of the notorious Sinaloa cartel has resulted in a dramatic increase in crime, including murders and disappearances.
The conflict, which has intensified over the past two years, pits two factions against each other: Los Chapitos and La Mayiza. Dressed in white, demonstrators held signs emblazoned with messages such as “We don’t want fear, we want peace,” alongside posters of their missing relatives. With a population exceeding three million, many in Sinaloa feel that their day-to-day lives have been severely impacted by this violent struggle.
Context of the Conflict
The protest was deliberately timed to mark the second anniversary of the violence that erupted following the arrest of Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada in the United States. His followers from La Mayiza claim betrayal by the son of Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, the cartel’s infamous founder. This fracture has led to a series of violent encounters, including ambushes, drive-by shootings, and roadblocks set up by hijacked vehicles.
Residents of Culiacán have found themselves ensnared in this brutal conflict, with official statistics indicating a steep rise in crimes such as extortion and robbery, alongside the alarming surge in homicides.
Community Response and Calls for Peace
The protest, organized by the families of victims, local businesses, civil society organizations, and the Catholic Church, highlighted the community’s demand for peace. Business leader Sergio Esquer noted that over 5,000 local businesses have shut down since the violence escalated, underscoring the economic toll of the cartel wars. He described the situation as a “tragedy” affecting the entire Sinaloa region.
The event commenced with a Mass led by Culiacán’s bishop, who implored the conflicting factions to cease their hostilities. He emphasized the sanctity of human life, stating, “No amount of power, money, or ambition is worth more than a human life,” urging both sides to reflect on the devastating impact of their actions on families and the community.
Political Turmoil and Ongoing Violence
In addition to the violence, Sinaloa has faced significant political turmoil. Recently, U.S. prosecutors accused the state governor, Rubén Rocha, alongside nine other officials, of collaborating with Los Chapitos to facilitate drug trafficking into the U.S. Rocha, who has denied these allegations, temporarily stepped back from his duties while investigations unfolded. Although he returned to his position, he sought another leave shortly after facing criticism regarding his leadership.
This combination of cartel violence, community outcry, and political scandal presents a complex and troubling scenario for residents of Sinaloa, as they continue to grapple with the consequences of a conflict that shows little sign of abating.
