Former Colombian Senator Piedad Cordoba Passes Away at 68
BOGOTA, Colombia – Piedad Córdoba, a well-known Colombian lawmaker and advocate for the rights of Afro-Colombians, has sadly passed away at the age of 68. President Gustavo Petro confirmed her death on Saturday and praised her as a true liberal who dedicated her life to fighting for a more democratic society.
The exact cause of her death has not been disclosed, but Colombian media reports suggest that she was found dead at her home in Medellin, possibly due to a heart attack.
Córdoba was widely recognized throughout Colombia for her distinctive colorful turbans, which represented her African heritage. In a country known for its conservatism, she stood out as a left-wing champion, always advocating for the rights of the most marginalized.
Throughout her career, Córdoba faced numerous challenges and risks. She was kidnapped by right-wing paramilitary groups in 1999, and later expelled from Congress for supporting the country’s last remaining rebel army. However, she never backed down from conflict and always found a way to bounce back. Notably, she played a crucial role in bringing the leaders of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) to the negotiating table in 2016, leading to a historic peace deal that ended decades of guerrilla conflict.
In recent years, Córdoba faced a personal battle when her brother, Alvaro Córdoba, was arrested and extradited to the U.S. on drug trafficking charges. While she herself was not charged, her brother’s lawyers claimed that she was the intended target of a sting operation orchestrated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.
Córdoba was the eldest of 12 children and grew up in Medellin. She came from a mixed-race background, with her father being Black and her mother being white. As an Afro-Colombian herself, she understood the struggles faced by her community, who have historically been politically and economically marginalized in the country.
Her political career began in the slums of Medellin, where she joined the Liberal Party and eventually made her way to Congress. During one of Colombia’s darkest periods, marked by intense conflict between rebels and paramilitaries, she fearlessly spoke up for minority groups who were often the most affected by the violence.
Despite facing opposition and criticism from conservatives, Córdoba worked closely with former Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez to secure the release of politicians and soldiers held captive by the FARC. Her humanitarian efforts earned her praise from the left but also made her a target for those who saw her as a “traitor” and a sympathizer of guerrilla groups.
In 2010, she was expelled from Congress and barred from holding office for 18 years after being accused of promoting the FARC. However, this decision was later overturned, and she regained her Senate seat in 2023, riding on the wave of Petro’s historic election as Colombia’s first leftist president.
Piedad Córdoba’s passing marks the end of a remarkable and courageous political career. She will be remembered as a tireless advocate for the rights of Afro-Colombians and a key figure in the pursuit of peace in Colombia. Her legacy will continue to inspire future generations to fight for justice and equality in the country..
