On 17 March 2025, on the outskirts of Maicao municipality (La Guajira), unidentified individuals shot a Wayuu Indigenous man after luring him to a supposed job interview. The man died in hospital due to the severity of his injuries. There is no further information on the motives or the perpetrators behind the attack. 1 fatality.

Supply-chain Risk Briefing: Violence Incident in Maicao Region, Colombia

1. Summary

On March 17, 2025, one Wayuu indigenous person was killed by gunfire after being lured under the pretext of a job interview on the outskirts of Maicao city, La Guajira department, Colombia. With the perpetrator and motive unknown, this represents a high-level violence incident demonstrating security instability in the region near the Venezuelan border.

2. Supply-chain impact

• Coal transport risk: Maicao is located in Colombia's northern coal export corridor, with potential security deterioration near transport routes from Cerrejón mines to Puerto Bolívar port
• Border logistics delays: Increased violence in Venezuelan border areas raises concerns of delays in bilateral overland transport and border clearance procedures
• Indigenous area operational constraints: Violence in Wayuu residential areas increases social conflict risks for mineral extraction and infrastructure operations within the region
• Northern coastal security reinforcement: Potential increased security costs and operational constraints at Caribbean coastal ports

3. Watch points

• Additional violence incidents within La Guajira department and trends in indigenous community backlash protests
• Road transport disruptions between Maicao-Puerto Bolívar and impact on coal export schedules
• Security situation deterioration in Venezuelan border areas and announcements of strengthened border control measures