Two Campaign Workers Killed in Colombia 2 Weeks Before Election

Two campaign workers were killed just two weeks before the Colombian presidential election. This is a serious concern for the safety of elections.
By Newsroom | Politics, Colombia |

BOGOTA - Two campaign staffers for right-wing presidential candidate Abelardo de La Espriella were gunned down Friday night in the southeastern province of Meta, just two weeks before Colombia's presidential election on May 31. The victims, identified as former mayor Rogers Mauricio Devia and his adviser Eder Fabian Cardona Lopez, were attacked by four individuals on motorcycles who opened fire, according to de la Espriella's party, Defenders of the Homeland.

The killings underscore a worrying surge in political violence as Colombia approaches an election to replace its first leftist president, Gustavo Petro. This incident follows reports of death threats against at least three presidential candidates, including de la Espriella and leading leftist candidate Ivan Cepeda. Both de la Espriella and Cepeda are reportedly traveling with significant security details.

2 presidential campaign staffers killed in Colombia weeks before election - 1

Authorities have not officially attributed the attack to any specific group, though de la Espriella pointed to a dissident faction of the former Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) rebels, without offering evidence. The Interior Minister, Armando Benedetti, stated that the reasons for the attack remain unknown. In a related development, police recently thwarted an attack targeting a staffer for another presidential hopeful, Paloma Valencia, in the same city.

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Broader Climate of Violence

The attacks occur against a backdrop of escalating violence across the country. Rebel groups have been responsible for at least 26 attacks involving explosives and drones since Friday, including a fatal blast on a highway in the southwestern region. These attacks have raised alarms, with concerns that violence could threaten democratic participation. Civil society organizations and rights ombudsmen have voiced apprehension, warning that rising political violence could impede fair elections.

The upcoming election is seen as a pivotal moment, with voters expected to prioritize crime and security. Polls indicate Ivan Cepeda currently leads the race, with Abelardo de la Espriella polling second. The government's "total peace" strategy, aimed at negotiating with remaining rebel groups, has faced criticism for its perceived ineffectiveness, with some analysts suggesting it has allowed these groups to regroup and consolidate power. Opposition candidates have seized on the security concerns, promising a more forceful approach to crime.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why were two campaign workers killed in Colombia on Friday, May 17, 2026?
Two campaign workers for presidential candidate Abelardo de La Espriella, Rogers Mauricio Devia and Eder Fabian Cardona Lopez, were killed by four people on motorcycles in Meta province.
Q: Who was targeted in the attack in Colombia on May 17, 2026?
The victims were Rogers Mauricio Devia, a former mayor, and his adviser Eder Fabian Cardona Lopez. They worked for presidential candidate Abelardo de La Espriella.
Q: What is the impact of these killings on the Colombian election?
The killings happen just two weeks before the May 31 election and raise serious concerns about political violence and the safety of democratic participation.
Q: What do authorities say about the attack on May 17, 2026?
Authorities have not officially blamed anyone for the attack. Abelardo de La Espriella suggested a dissident FARC group was responsible, but offered no proof. The Interior Minister said the reasons are unknown.
Q: Are other candidates also facing threats before the election?
Yes, at least three presidential candidates, including Abelardo de La Espriella and Ivan Cepeda, have received death threats. Both are now traveling with extra security.
Q: Is violence increasing in Colombia?
Yes, there has been a rise in violence, with rebel groups responsible for many attacks. This has made civil society groups worried that fair elections might be difficult.