26 armed groups control southern Venezuela's mining regions, report finds

Twenty-six organized armed groups (GAOs) are currently operating in southern Venezuela, establishing a "hybrid criminal governance" that extends across almost the entire mining territory of Amazonas, Bolívar, Delta Amacuro, and the Esequibo region. An extensive report by the NGO SOS Orinoco details the pervasive presence of these groups, which have a territorial reach in 95% of the analyzed southern Orinoco basin.

These structures do more than just control the lucrative gold, diamond, and coltan mining economies. They actively perform functions typically reserved for the state, including resolving local conflicts, regulating community life, and even managing essential services. In Amazonas and Delta Amacuro, GAOs are active in all municipalities, while Bolívar sees their presence in nine out of ten evaluated areas.

The report highlights the National Liberation Army (ELN) and various factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc) as the most dominant, present in 76.1% of the municipalities. However, SOS Orinoco also identified a complex ecosystem of other criminal entities, including the Organization 3R, river pirates, Brazilian garimpeiros, indigenous committees, and mining unions, all integrated into the criminal network controlling mining activities.

Financing for these groups comes from extortion payments, known as "vacunas," control over mineral extraction and sales, and the imposition of rules within mining zones. In some communities, these organizations administer rudimentary justice systems, distribute food and medicine, and even pay salaries for teachers and health workers, effectively substituting state functions. SOS Orinoco warns that this situation signifies a profound loss of sovereignty over vast areas of southern Venezuela, with significant implications for resource exploitation, environmental management, and the rights of indigenous communities.