The naming of a school after a deceased FARC leader, ‘Gentil Duarte’, has stirred controversy in San Vicente del Caguán, Caquetá, as a video invitation from the municipal government surfaced, promising a grand inauguration with orchestral performances and cultural events.
Mayor Luis Trujillo announced the school’s opening, committing to attend alongside the Department of Education secretary for Caquetá. However, the decision to honor a former FARC leader has raised eyebrows, particularly due to concerns about glorification of armed conflict and lack of transparency in funding and management.
The Ombudsman’s Office has called upon local authorities to shed light on the situation surrounding the school, situated in the El Triunfo hamlet, Diamante sector. Ombudsman Carlos Camargo Assis emphasized the need to avoid glorifying figures associated with illegal groups and urged clarity regarding the origin of the school’s name and its financing.
Questions have arisen regarding the funding sources, with some suggesting community contributions while others hint at involvement from the FARC’s Central High Command. Regardless of the funding origins, transparency and accountability in the management of the school’s infrastructure are deemed imperative.
This development comes amidst Colombia’s commitment to the Safe Schools Declaration, which aims to protect educational institutions from being drawn into armed conflicts. The Ombudsman’s Office has also warned of the risks of recruitment and exploitation of children and adolescents by illegal armed groups, particularly in areas surrounding educational facilities.