Colombian Paramilitary Group ACSN Seeks Inclusion in Peace Talks with Government

The Conquering Self Defense Forces of the Sierra Nevada (Autodefensas Conquistadoras de la Sierra Nevada – ACSN), also known as Los Pachenca, is an armed group that emerged from the remnants of paramilitary forces following their demobilization in 2006. Since then, the ACSN has established a strong presence and influence in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta region on Colombia’s Caribbean coast, controlling drug trafficking routes and engaging in extensive extortion activities.

The origins of the ACSN can be traced back to Hernán Giraldo Serna's paramilitary army, which initially operated under various names such as Bloque Resistencia Tayrona (BRT) and Las Autodefensas del Mamey. The group’s power grew significantly after it joined the umbrella organization known as the United Self Defense Forces of Colombia (Autodefensas Unidas de Colombia – AUC), led by Carlos and Vicente Castaño.

In 2013, following internal conflicts and leadership changes, Jesús María Aguirre Gallego, alias “Chucho Mercancía,” took over as the leader. Under his command, Los Pachenca allied with another armed group, the Gaitanist Self-Defense Forces of Colombia (AGC), to control drug trafficking territories in northern Colombia. However, this alliance was short-lived due to internal divisions and law enforcement actions that led to significant losses within the group.

By 2019, the ACSN faced a series of setbacks when key leaders were arrested or killed by authorities. This included the capture of John Salazar Salcedo, alias “Flash,” in May 2019, followed shortly after by the death of Chucho Mercancía at the hands of law enforcement officials. These events weakened the group's operational capabilities and leadership structure.

In response to these challenges, Deimer Patiño Giraldo, alias "80," assumed control over Los Pachenca in 2013 following the death of his uncle Hernán Giraldo Serna. However, 80’s tenure was brief; he too met a violent end during a police operation in late 2020.

In January 2021, Hernán Giraldo returned to Colombia after serving time for drug trafficking charges but quickly found himself facing new legal issues related to sexual abuse of minors. Despite these challenges, the ACSN has continued its operations and recently sought inclusion in President Gustavo Petro’s “Total Peace” policy initiative.

The Colombian government's willingness to include paramilitary groups like the ACSN in peace talks represents a significant shift in strategy aimed at reducing violence and fostering stability in conflict-affected regions of Colombia. The group's participation in these negotiations underscores the ongoing complexities involved in dismantling organized crime networks while also highlighting the need for comprehensive approaches to address the root causes of such conflicts.

These developments have important implications for security and governance in northern Colombia, where the ACSN maintains a significant presence and influence over local communities through illicit activities. The potential outcomes of these peace talks could set precedents for future negotiations with other armed groups operating within the country, potentially marking a turning point in efforts to achieve lasting peace and stability in regions long plagued by violence and criminal activity.