A month of conflict in Sinaloa: more than 190 dead and hundreds of jobs lost

( Spanish) – A month has passed since the violent events resulting from the capture of Ismael “el Mayo” Zambada left Sinaloa in chaos.

In Culiacán, the state capital, there have been a series of confrontations and blockades in recent weeks, unleashing a wave of insecurity that has not yet ceased.

The conflict, due to the struggle between two factions of organized crime, has left more than 190 dead, according to figures from the Sinaloa State Public Security Council, as well as an increase in closed businesses and lost jobs, seriously affecting both the population and to the economy according to businessmen and activists.

“People live in fear, schools are without students, young people are missing, the streets are left alone at night,” said Miguel Calderón, general coordinator of the State Public Security Council, during a press conference this Wednesday. “We have a social emergency at our doorstep,” he highlighted.

From Mexico City, representatives of the state presented the demands they have made to the Federal Government. Among their requests are the need to prioritize disarmament actions against organized crime and implement effective reparation for damage to crime victims in this period.

“Between September 9 and October 6, 63% of the weapons that were confiscated in 2023 have been seized, only in Sinaloa,” said Calderón, who also pointed out that this figure underlines the magnitude of the violence problem that is being experienced. in the state.

Furthermore, according to Calderón, a purge and reorganization of the Culiacán Municipal Police is necessary to restore confidence in the security institutions that, he said, has been lost, and thus address the current situation.

has requested comments from the Culiacán Municipal Police to find out their position on these statements. No response yet.

“Far from foreseeing a near conclusion to this conflict, as the days go by it is observed that public security, respect for human rights, productive activities, the economy and socio-emotional health are deteriorating more and more, little by little, day by day. every day,” he explained.

The conflict has not only left human losses, the economic sector has been one of the most affected.

During the press conference, business representatives issued an account of the economic damage.

Laura Guzmán, vice president of the National Chamber of the Restaurant Industry (Canirac) in Culiacan, assured that among those most affected by the crisis are informal merchants, followed by restaurant and hotel workers.

According to Canirac, citing Social Security data, 1,883 jobs have been lost, of which “they could be 275 in commerce, 561 in construction, 40 in transportation and communications, and 1,007 in business services,” Guzmán explained.

Figures shared by Guzmán show that 100 businesses have closed permanently, another 180 closed temporarily, and 1,500 businesses cut their hours.

Among the requests, the spokespersons requested a declaration of economic emergency to activate an express soft loan program for SMEs, without credit bureau requirements. This measure seeks to provide immediate support to small and medium-sized businesses affected by the current crisis.

They also proposed the suspension of the payment of taxes such as ISR and payroll, with a period of six months for the affected companies. In addition, discounts and extensions in the payment of electricity and drinking water.

Until this Thursday, President Claudia Sheinbaum had not issued comments regarding these requests made by the representatives of the state of Sinaloa.

In September, the Government of the State of Sinaloa said it had implemented an emerging plan to support the economic recovery of Culiacán, which includes tax discounts, a microcredit program of up to US$25,000, and US$100 million for larger loans, in addition to exemptions of charges in markets and parking lots.

“We have never had a city without restaurants, without hotels, without theaters, without parks. Life ends at seven at night (…) We cannot go out to the movies or go for coffee after seven at night and this speaks of a danger and a situation that we had not encountered,” said Guzmán.

“Until yesterday, there were 192 homicides recorded between September 9 and October 8. And there were talks of 224 forced disappearances,” according to Óscar Loza Ochoa, human rights activist.

“And more than 200 displaced families (…) The black figure there is, because obviously there is no record of that,” he explained at the conference.

The governor of Sinaloa Rubén Rocha Moya has not made reference to the number of displaced families, however, he has said that communities that have “displaced problems” have received support.

The new security plan announced by President Claudia Sheinbaum includes deploying more Army and National Guard troops to the most affected areas of Sinaloa. A measure that state representatives viewed favorably, but considered insufficient to deal with the situation.

AMLO: The violence in Sinaloa is due to the fight between criminal groups

“Yesterday, teacher Harfuch proposed looking at the social origin of the problem, and we think it is very important that this be raised,” said Loza, adding that “if the strengthening of police and military work to control the problem, because we are not rejecting it, but it cannot be just that type of measure.”

Sheinbaum said on Wednesday that Sinaloa authorities met with citizens in Culiacán, where they will reinforce the presence of the National Guard, in addition, intelligence and investigation actions will be strengthened.

Loza says they have insisted for decades on a plan that highlights the importance of understanding the social origins of violence and the need for alternatives for the young people involved. In addition, he reiterated his willingness to collaborate with federal authorities to address the problem.

The activist highlighted the need for special attention for Sinaloa, pointing out that drug trafficking is a deep-rooted problem in the region.

“There has to be some way out, an alternative for those youth who are dying today as part of the victims or as part of the problem that exists in the state,” said Loza.