### “The Citizens Have Learned to Protect Themselves”: Ismael Bojórquez in Culiacán
From Culiacán, Sinaloa, Ismael Bojórquez, the founding director of the weekly news outlet Ríodoce, shared insights on the violent confrontations the capital has faced, particularly intensified since the capture of Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada on July 25, 2024. Tensions have escalated in September as Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán Loera’s sons (Los Chapitos) clashed with Ismael Zambada Sicairos “El Mayito Flaco” (Los Mayos).
Bojórquez explains this internal strife within the Sinaloa Cartel: “This conflict between Los Chapitos and Mayo’s son arises because of the power vacuum left by El Mayo. His absence has led to these disputes and confrontations.”
He clarified that the Sinaloa Cartel is not monolithic. It consists of various factions: “People often speak of the Sinaloa Cartel as a single entity, but it is made up of families – the Zambadas, Caros, Esparragosas, Cázares, Fernández, and Guzmáns. Each family maintains its structure.”
Reflecting on the plight of Culiacán’s residents, Bojórquez notes, “The citizens have learned to protect themselves because they don’t trust the government to do so.” He highlighted that schools and public places have been deserted, with residents choosing to stay home despite government reassurances of safety.
### The Impact on Daily Life
Bojórquez mentioned specific examples of how Culiacán citizens are taking precautionary measures. Amid recent conflicts, schools remain closed despite government assurances of normalcy. Public transport operates at reduced capacity due to fears of violence.
“The streets, markets, and highways are deserted because people fear for their safety and don’t trust official information. Many shops and restaurants are closed,” he described.
### Displacement and Government Response
Bojórquez has also noted that conflicts have led to the displacement of people. For instance, residents from Concordia fled to Mazatlán due to recent clashes. He criticized the government for failing to adequately support displaced individuals.
### Analysis of State Governance
Addressing the past three state administrations, Bojórquez outlined their varying approaches to dealing with organized crime. He claimed former Governor Mario López Valdez had alliances with cartel leaders, while Quirino Ordaz Coppel, supported by the military, maintained a distance. Current Governor Rubén Rocha Moya has faced allegations of cartel influence during his election.
Bojórquez also warns of potential external threats amidst the internal chaos, suggesting the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) might exploit the situation: “The CJNG could strengthen its presence in Sinaloa if conflicts between Los Chapitos and Los Mayos continue.”
### National Implications
Discussing the broader national implications, Bojórquez criticized President Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s security policies, stating they have worsened the situation. He expressed skepticism about Claudia Sheinbaum’s ability to address security concerns effectively in her impending administration: “If Claudia Sheinbaum does not change the security policies, things are likely to deteriorate further.”
Secondary Article:
### Rising Violence in Culiacán: Citizens Take Safety into Their Own Hands
In Culiacán, Sinaloa, violence has surged since the July 25, 2024, arrest of Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada. The power struggle between Los Chapitos and Los Mayos has thrown the city into turmoil, forcing residents to fend for their safety amid inadequate government protection.
Schools are closed, businesses shuttered, and public transport operates minimally as fear grips the city. Residents, distrustful of government assurances, are taking unprecedented measures to protect themselves, leading to a palpable sense of unease and displacement across the region.
Governance in Sinaloa has fluctuated across recent administrations, with varying degrees of engagement with criminal elements. As the situation in Culiacán remains volatile, there is growing concern that external criminal factions, like the CJNG, could exploit the chaos.
Nationally, the ineffective security policies of outgoing President Andrés Manuel López Obrador have left the country polarized and insecure. With Claudia Sheinbaum set to assume office, there are critical questions about her ability and willingness to reform security strategies to restore peace and order.
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