Former Paramilitary Commander Retracts Claim of Uribe Involvement in 2003 Mayor’s Murder
Bogotá, Colombia – Salvatore Mancuso, a former commander of the United Self-Defense Forces of Colombia (AUC), has retracted previous statements suggesting former Colombian President Álvaro Uribe Vélez had any involvement in the 2003 assassination of Eudaldo Díaz, the mayor of El Roble, Sucre. The retraction, submitted as part of the ongoing transitional justice process, throws a wrench into investigations linking Uribe to paramilitary groups and their actions during the country’s decades-long conflict.
The reversal is significant as it directly contradicts earlier testimonies that fueled accusations against Uribe, who has consistently denied any ties to the AUC. The case centers on the murder of Díaz, a vocal critic of paramilitary activity in the region. The Prosecutor’s Office has scheduled a december 4th review to determine if Mancuso’s offer meets legal requirements for restorative justice and adequately addresses the harm caused by the crime.This growth could impact ongoing legal proceedings and the broader narrative surrounding Uribe’s legacy and alleged connections to illegal armed groups.
In a written statement, Mancuso explicitly declared, “I am not aware that Dr. Álvaro Uribe Vélez had participated in the regrettable criminal action perpetrated by the AUC that ended the life of Mr. Eudaldo León Díaz, former mayor of El Roble.” He further emphasized his commitment to contributing to the judicial process “within the limits of the law,” while reiterating his lack of knowledge regarding any “direct or indirect participation of former President Uribe Vélez in criminal acts related to the complaint at hand.”
Mancuso’s retraction comes as he participates in Colombia’s transitional justice system as a “peace manager,” a role intended to facilitate truth and reconciliation efforts. The Prosecutor’s Office will now assess weather Mancuso’s submission constitutes a sufficient contribution to the truth and offers adequate reparations to the victims and their families. The outcome of this evaluation will determine the next steps in the legal process and potentially influence future investigations into Uribe’s alleged links to paramilitary groups.
