strife over Afro-Colombian rights: their pursuit of a better existence

Colombia's Vice President, Francia Márquez, complements President Gustavo Petro. She exhibits authenticity, emotional intensity, and a combative spirit. Nevertheless, lingering disagreements with Petro obstruct the progress of their political efforts.

, and Administrator

2025 September 14 . 5:53 AM

2 min read

Consumer Rights of Afro-Colombians - Achieving the Desirable and Peaceful Lifestyle They Strive For

strife over Afro-Colombian rights: their pursuit of a better existence

In 2022, Vice President Francia Márquez Márquez made history as the first Afro-Colombian woman to take office, marking a significant milestone in the country's pursuit of social justice and equality. Founding the party Soy Porque Somos in 2025, Márquez's mission is to promote social justice, environmental protection, and the rights of marginalized communities, based on a philosophy of intersectional feminism and indigenous rights.

Inspired by the African philosophy of Ubuntu, Márquez has been a vocal advocate for symbolic reparations and international compensation from European colonial powers. However, her efforts have not been without controversy. Accusations of racism from intellectuals and Afro-organizations have surfaced, particularly in response to her appointment and her use of a helicopter.

Márquez has faced disagreements with President Gustavo Petro over governance, with a cabinet meeting on July 15, 2025, becoming a point of contention. The appointment of actress Amaranta Hank to a cabinet position sparked debate, and Márquez's threat to resign drew criticism for her silence on the matter.

The opposition has skillfully exploited these disagreements, accusing Márquez of becoming bourgeois due to her use of a helicopter and attacking her personally. Márquez's children have also spoken out against the attacks, expressing concern for their mother's safety.

Márquez's mother believes her life has become hell since joining the government, and Márquez herself has faced paramilitary assassination threats, requiring bodyguards and bulletproof vehicles for protection. Despite these challenges, Márquez remains resilient, emphasizing a government close to the people in her victory speech.

In a statement made in late July, Márquez spoke out, stating that she and other members of the Afro-movement are not valued for governing. This sentiment is reflected in the work of the Ministry of Equality and Justice launched by Márquez, which has done too little in poor, conflict- and state-neglected regions.

Colombia's Africa strategy has seen significant strides, with the country strengthening its diplomatic presence on the continent. However, the challenges faced by Vice President Márquez Márquez serve as a reminder that the fight for social justice and equality is far from over.

Quoting Angela Davis, who was present at the Women's Congress in Cali, Márquez said, "We have a duty not only to not be racist, but to be anti-racist." In the face of adversity, Márquez continues to fight for a more equitable Colombia, standing as a beacon of hope for the marginalized communities she seeks to represent.