**Thousands Demand End to Violence in Mexican Cartel Hotspot**
Culiacán, Sinaloa – In a powerful demonstration of solidarity and desperation, thousands of residents took to the streets of Culiacán on Sunday to demand an end to the escalating violence that has plagued the city and the surrounding state of Sinaloa. The protest coincided with the second anniversary of a brutal conflict between rival factions of the Sinaloa cartel, which has resulted in a significant increase in murders, disappearances, and other violent crimes.
Participants in the march, many dressed in white, carried posters of missing loved ones and held signs with messages such as "We don't want fear, we want peace." The protest was organized by relatives of victims, local businesses, civil society groups, and the Catholic Church, reflecting a community united in its call for peace amidst the turmoil.
The violence in Sinaloa has intensified since the feud between two factions of the Sinaloa cartel, known as Los Chapitos and La Mayiza, erupted following the arrest of notorious drug lord Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada in the United States. La Mayiza, claiming betrayal by the son of Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán, has turned against Los Chapitos, leading to a series of violent confrontations that have left the local population in fear.
Official figures indicate a sharp rise in not only murders and disappearances but also extortions and robberies. Businessman Sergio Esquer, a leader in the center-left opposition party Movimiento Ciudadano, highlighted the economic toll of the violence, stating that over 5,000 businesses have closed since the conflict began. "That's the tragedy Sinaloa is experiencing," he remarked, emphasizing the dire situation faced by local entrepreneurs and their communities.
The protest began with a Mass led by the bishop of Culiacán, who urged the warring factions to cease their violent actions. "Stop, look at what's happening, look at the affected families, look at the young people and at our city. No amount of power, of money, territory or ambition is worth more than a human life," he implored, calling for an end to the bloodshed that has devastated the region.
Among the attendees were relatives of a one-year-old boy who tragically lost his life during a recent shootout in the city, underscoring the indiscriminate nature of the violence that has gripped Culiacán. The emotional weight of the protest served as a stark reminder of the human cost of the ongoing cartel conflict.
In addition to the violence, Sinaloa has faced significant political upheaval in recent months. In April, U.S. prosecutors accused the state's governor, Rubén Rocha, along with nine current and former officials, of conspiring with Los Chapitos to smuggle drugs into the United States. Rocha, who has denied any wrongdoing, temporarily stepped down while Mexican prosecutors launched their own investigation. Although he returned to his position three weeks later, he requested another leave of absence shortly after, following a statement from President Claudia Sheinbaum that hinted at the need for integrity in leadership.
As the situation in Culiacán continues to unfold, the residents' call for peace and justice remains urgent. The protest signifies not only a demand for an end to violence but also a plea for accountability and a return to normalcy in a region that has been deeply affected by the drug war. The community's resilience in the face of such adversity highlights the need for comprehensive solutions to address both the violence and its underlying causes.