**”Citizens Have Learned to Protect Themselves”: Ismael Bojórquez in Culiacán**
**By Enrique Mendoza, September 23, 2024**
From Culiacán, Sinaloa, Ismael Bojórquez, the founding director of the weekly magazine **Ríodoce**, shared an analysis on the unrest that has plagued the Sinaloa capital, particularly following the capture of Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada on July 25, 2024. This capture has triggered intensified conflicts in September between the children of Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán (known as Los Chapitos) and Ismael Zambada Sicairos “El Mayito Flaco” (Los Mayos).
“This conflict between Los Chapitos and the son of El Mayo stems from a power vacuum,” Bojórquez explained. “It’s not the same to have El Mayo leading as it is to have his son, El Mayito Flaco. This vacuum creates conflicts as the groups realign their power.”
While these confrontations mainly involve two factions, Bojórquez noted that the Sinaloa Cartel is a conglomerate of various families, including the Zambada, Caro, Esparragoza, Cázares, Fernández, and Guzmán clans. Each family maintains its own structure and power dynamics.
Caught in the crossfire are the citizens of Culiacán, who, as Bojórquez revealed, have adapted to a state of self-reliance.
“THERE IS A PANIC SITUATION,” Bojórquez shared. “People have learned to protect themselves because they don’t trust the government to do so. It’s a false sense of security portrayed by officials that doesn’t match the reality on the ground.”
Residents make their own decisions on daily activities, such as whether to send their children to school or venture into public spaces. Despite government assurances of normalcy, schools remain closed as parents and teachers opt for safety.
Bojórquez also described how public transport and businesses have been affected. “Routes are paralyzed, operating at 40-50% capacity. If there’s any sign of violence, buses halt their routes immediately, and shops downtown remain closed.”
Observing the desolate state of public spaces, he described empty markets, streets, and highways. “People are scared and protect themselves. They don’t trust official information,” he said, quoting a local woman who equated the lack of freedom to feeling kidnapped.
**DISPLACEMENTS**
The ongoing battles force civilians to consider relocating for safety. “People are leaving the regions of violence. For example, in Concordia, 80 individuals fled due to clashes,” Bojórquez noted, referencing similar displacements from previous conflicts.
**THE LAST THREE STATE GOVERNMENTS**
Bojórquez also provided insight into how different administrative periods have dealt with organized crime. He detailed the alliances and conflicts that stemmed from the tenures of Mario López Valdez (PAN), Quirino Ordaz Coppel (PRI), and Rubén Rocha Moya (Morena).
Under Mario López Valdez, there were allegations of alliances with El Mayo and El Chapo, while Quirino’s term is noted for its military support and a relatively quieter tenure. Rocha Moya’s term has seen alignments with criminal groups impacting electoral processes.
**POTENTIAL INVOLVEMENT OF CJNG**
Asked about the possibility of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) penetrating Sinaloa due to the ongoing struggles, Bojórquez warned that third parties might exploit weakened local forces, potentially escalating violence.
**EXPECTATIONS FROM THE NEW ADMINISTRATION**
Lastly, Bojórquez commented on the transition from Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s administration to Claudia Sheinbaum’s. He criticized the handling of security and expressed concerns that if Sheinbaum does not change the current strategy, the situation will worsen.
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**Additional News: Escalating Violence in Culiacán – Details from Recent Clashes**
The recent uptick in violence in Culiacán follows the capture of high-profile figures within the Sinaloa Cartel, leading to confrontations between rival factions aiming to fill the power vacuum. According to local reports, neighborhoods have turned into battlegrounds, causing unprecedented disruptions to daily life.
Government forces continue large-scale operations to curb violence, yet residents remain distrustful of official claims of safety. Schools and businesses maintain intermittent closures, and displacement rates are escalating as families seek refuge from persistent danger. The CJNG’s lurking presence adds a layer of uncertainty, with experts predicting further complications as groups vie for control of the region.
This escalating conflict underscores the complex dynamics at play in Mexico’s ongoing battle against organized crime, reflecting broader implications for national security and governance.