Investigation into Colombian Army General’s Alleged Misconduct Intensifies Internal Tensions

Investigation into Colombian Army General’s Alleged Misconduct Intensifies Internal Tensions

Allegations Against General Jhon Jairo Rojas

General Jhon Jairo Rojas, a high-ranking official in the Colombian Army, is currently facing serious allegations that have put his potential promotion to the position of the leader of the Colombian Army in jeopardy. The charges, detailed in a comprehensive dossier, have received support from two of the armed forces’ top officials — General Helder Giraldo, the commander of the Armed Forces, and General Luis Mauricio Ospina, the commander of the Army. The dossier was submitted to the Prosecutor’s Office and the Ministry of Defense, triggering an investigation.

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This situation has stirred up a conflict within the army, posing a challenge to President Gustavo Petro and Defense Minister Iván Velásquez, who were reportedly considering appointing Rojas to the leadership position. Rojas, who was not promoted to Major General, is now facing these serious charges in front of a court-appointed prosecutor.

Charges Focus on Corruption and Connections to Illegal Groups

The Prosecutor’s Office has announced a formal investigation into Rojas, primarily focusing on his performance as the commander of the Joint Command No. 2 Suboccident of the Army. The allegations against him include operational, administrative, and personal irregularities, such as corruption during his term in Argelia (Cauca), and connections to the Diomer Cortés structure of the Second Marquetalia. It’s suggested that his alleged actions may have facilitated drug trafficking operations in Cauca, thereby hampering the fight against illegal groups.

Sexual Harassment Allegations Against Rojas

In addition to the charges of corruption and connections to illegal groups, Rojas is also facing allegations of sexual harassment against multiple army officers. This line of investigation has led to a shift in Rojas’ position, as he was previously being considered for the position of a military attaché in Belgium.

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High-Level Departures Amid Tensions

The accusations and subsequent investigation have heightened tensions within the army. As a result, Generals Óscar Alexander Tobar and Nairo Javier Martínez have reportedly stepped down from their positions by order of the high command following a board meeting. The list of officers up for promotion is due to be presented to Congress shortly.

General Tobar, a former commander of the Task Force Nudo del Paramillo and the current head of the Major Force Generator, is leaving due to dissatisfaction from the high command and ongoing investigations. Similarly, General Martínez, who was in charge of the 29th Brigade in Cauca, the Hercules Task Force in the Nariño Pacific, and was the commander of the Third Division, also failed to pass the promotion filters.

Recent Scandal Involving FARC Dissidents

All these developments follow a recent scandal involving soldiers disguised as FARC dissidents. This incident, which took place in the rural area of the department of Córdoba, caused fear among the local population. Some political sectors deemed the incident extremely serious and suggested that it would have likely resulted in the dismissal of the institution’s commander under different circumstances.

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