Zapatista Autonomous Governments Assembly Voices Complaints

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Complaint Assembly of Groups of Zapatista Autonomous governments (ACGAZ)

September 28, 2025

To the peoples of Mexico and the world, To the companions of the National Indigenous Congress, To national and international civil society, To the national and international sixth, To human rights organizations, and To alternative media.

COMPLAINT:

We strongly denounce the attack,harassment,and manipulation perpetrated by the three levels of government against Zapatista support towns over the matter of land recovery.

We cite the following facts:

FIRST: On April 22,May 12,July 12,and August 29,approximately 30 people belonging to the municipality of Huixtán,led by Emilio Bolom Álvarez,Miguel Bolom Palé,Miguel Vázquez Sántiz,and David Seferino Gómez,protected by the Federal Army and Municipal Police of Ocosingo,entered the town of Belén in the Caracol 8 Dolores Hidalgo region,where our colleagues reside and engage in collective work and communal farming with non-Zapatista neighbors. This property was recovered in 1994.

They attempted dialogue, but were told that the land had been delivered by the government and they possessed legal documentation. They threatened and harassed our colleagues, demanding they leave the land, and attempted manipulation, suggesting agreement would be met with respect. They destroyed signage and surveyed the land.

Due to thes threats, the Assembly of Groups of Zapatista Autonomous Governments (ACGAZ) agreed to a temporary retreat to allow for defensive planning.

SECOND: On September 18,20,and 22,15 individuals positioned themselves on the site. On September 20, two Federal Army trucks, three trucks from the Municipal Police of Ocosingo, and four trucks from the State Attorney General’s Office arrived. They destroyed and burned the homes of Zapatista support bases and stole corn.Despite repeated attempts at dialogue, authorities refused to acknowledge the land’s history.

THIRD: We assert that these lands were already paid for by the government in 1996 during the governance of Manuel Camacho Solís. this is a clear indication of a deliberate plan by all levels of government to provoke conflict. This so-called “fourth change” seeks only to incite clashes and war.

our attempts at dialogue have been met with indifference. We do not desire war; we seek a life lived in common, but we are being forced to defend ourselves.

The fourth transformation prioritizes national and transnational landowners and businessmen. It offers nothing to the poor people of Mexico.

We have photographic and video evidence to corroborate these denunciations.

We call upon our brothers and sisters in Mexico and the world to remain vigilant.We will continue to provide updates. In solidarity,

The assembly of Zapatista Autonomous Governments (ACGAZ).

How do bureaucratic inefficiencies within the autonomous governance system impact access to essential services like healthcare and agricultural support?

Core Grievances & Systemic Challenges

The recent assembly of autonomous governments within the Zapatista Autonomous Municipalities in Rebellion (MAREZ) has brought to light a series of escalating concerns regarding internal governance, resource allocation, and external pressures. These complaints, voiced by representatives from various caracoles (governing hubs), signal a critical juncture for the Zapatista movement and its ongoing project of self-determination.Key issues center around:

* Bureaucratic Inefficiencies: Reports indicate increasing difficulties navigating internal administrative processes. while designed to be participatory, the system is reportedly becoming bogged down in paperwork and delays, hindering effective decision-making at the local level. This impacts everything from healthcare access to agricultural support.

* Unequal Resource Distribution: A major point of contention is the perceived imbalance in the distribution of resources – both material aid and access to training programs. Communities in more remote or less economically viable areas feel consistently disadvantaged. This fuels resentment and threatens the solidarity that underpins the autonomous system.

* External Interference & Paramilitary Threats: The assembly highlighted a resurgence of paramilitary activity in certain regions, coupled with increased surveillance from both state and non-state actors. This poses a direct threat to the safety and security of Zapatista communities and their autonomous projects.Specifically, concerns were raised about land disputes and attempts to disrupt agricultural production.

* Internal Political Dynamics: Complaints regarding power imbalances within autonomous municipalities were also voiced. Concerns about the influence of certain individuals or families, and a lack of genuine rotation of leadership positions, were prominent. This challenges the core zapatista principle of mandar obedecer (to command by obeying).

Specific Complaints by Caracol Region

The assembly wasn’t a monolithic expression of discontent.Each caracol presented a unique set of challenges. Here’s a breakdown:

* La Realidad (caracol Roberto Barrios): Focus centered on the ongoing legal battle surrounding land rights and the continued presence of Mexican military forces in the area. The community expressed frustration with the slow pace of legal proceedings and the lack of concrete action from authorities regarding paramilitary threats.

* Hidalgo (Caracol Emiliano Zapata): Concerns revolved around access to quality education and healthcare. The community reported shortages of qualified teachers and medical personnel, and a lack of adequate infrastructure to support these services. They also highlighted the difficulties in maintaining traditional farming practices in the face of climate change.

* Morelia (Caracol Marcos): Complaints focused on the increasing influence of external NGOs and their impact on local decision-making. While acknowledging the benefits of some aid programs, the community expressed concerns about a loss of autonomy and a growing dependence on external funding.

* Oventic (Caracol Agua Azul): the primary issue raised was the deterioration of infrastructure – roads, irrigation systems, and dialog networks – due to a lack of maintenance and investment. This hinders economic development and limits access to essential services.

* La Garrucha (Caracol guadalupe Tepeyac): Reports detailed increasing pressure from landowners and corporations seeking to acquire communal lands for resource extraction (primarily timber and minerals). The community expressed fears of displacement and environmental degradation.

The Role of the Good Government Council (JBG)

The Good Government Council (JBG), the overarching governing body of the autonomous municipalities, came under scrutiny during the assembly. Representatives questioned the JBG’s effectiveness in addressing the aforementioned issues and its responsiveness to the needs of local communities. Specific criticisms included:

1. Lack of Transparency: Concerns were raised about the decision-making processes within the JBG and a perceived lack of transparency in how funds are allocated.
2. Slow Response Times: Communities reported delays in receiving responses to their requests for assistance or intervention.
3. Insufficient Oversight: Some representatives argued that the JBG lacks sufficient oversight mechanisms to ensure accountability and prevent corruption at the local level.

Impact on Zapatista Autonomy & Future Strategies

These voiced complaints represent a significant challenge to the Zapatista project. The ability to address these internal issues will be crucial for maintaining the movement’s legitimacy and ensuring its long-term sustainability. Potential strategies being discussed include:

* Strengthening Internal Accountability Mechanisms: Implementing more robust systems for monitoring and evaluating the performance of local officials and ensuring transparency in financial management.

* Decentralizing Decision-Making: Empowering local communities to make more decisions independently, reducing reliance on the JBG.

* Re-evaluating Relationships with NGOs: Establishing clearer guidelines for engagement with external organizations to ensure that aid programs align with Zapatista principles and do not undermine local autonomy.

* Enhanced Security Measures: Strengthening community-based security networks and seeking support from national and international human rights organizations to address the threat of paramilitary violence.

* Renewed Focus on Education & Political Formation: Investing in programs that promote political awareness and empower community members to participate more effectively in the autonomous governance system.

Case Study: The Coffee Cooperative Conflict (2023-2024)

A recent conflict within a coffee cooperative in Caracol Morelia exemplifies the challenges facing Zapatista autonomous governments. Disputes over pricing, distribution of profits, and management practices led to internal divisions and accusations of corruption. The JBG’s intervention was perceived as slow and ineffective, ultimately requiring mediation by community elders to