The Zapatista Army of National Liberation (EZLN) commemorated the 32nd anniversary of its armed uprising on January 1st this Thursday and announced that it will continue strengthening its autonomy and rebellion from “the commons,” despite government attempts to weaken it.s
From the Caracol of Oventic, known as “reistance and rebellion for humanity,” a militia member recalled that the uprising was a consequence of decades of marginalization, repression, and exploitation.
He also noted that the 32nd anniversary is now being celebrated with commemorations and dances, but back then it was a time of “sadness and farewell, because it was a matter of killing or being killed for a just cause,” he recounted. “Since then, we have fought for democracy, freedom, and justice for everyone,” he added.
Subcomandante Insurgente Moisés emphasized that the EZLN’s struggle for democracy, freedom, and justice persists.
He pointed out that problems such as poverty, inequality, repression, and impunity continue, and he recalled the lack of justice for events such as the 1968 massacre, the femicides in Ciudad Juárez, and the disappearance of the 43 students from Ayotzinapa.
Moisés criticized current governments for deceiving Indigenous peoples and the most vulnerable sectors with populist rhetoric and reforms that only benefit the wealthiest.
He also reaffirmed that communities must continue organizing from the ground up and defend themselves if necessary, even though the EZLN maintains its struggle peacefully: “We don’t want death, we want life,” he declared before hundreds of insurgents, militia members, and supporters.
The leader emphasized that building “the commons,” based on equality and collective well-being, is contrary to individualism and private property, factors that have fragmented communities. Furthermore, he accused governments of promoting division through direct assistance programs that seek to perpetuate their hold on power.
IMAGE CREDIT: The EZLN emphasized that its struggle for democracy, freedom, and justice persists. Photo: Cuartoscuro
[ SOURCE: teleSUR ]
