The murder of a second mayor in southern Mexico within a week has sent shockwaves through the country, further highlighting the escalating violence that has plagued the region. Acacio Flores, the mayor of Malinaltepec, was found dead on Saturday, his body discovered in the back of a van with a bullet wound to the back of the head. This tragic event comes just days after the killing of Salvador Villalba Flores, another mayor from Guerrero state, who was elected in June.
Flores’ death has been attributed to a possible land ownership dispute, according to Guerrero’s public prosecutor, who has opened an investigation into aggravated murder. The politician had been detained in an indigenous village on Thursday, and a human rights campaigner, who had been involved in negotiations for his release, confirmed the discovery of his body.
The killings underscore the growing danger faced by politicians in Mexico, especially during election seasons. Since last September, when the country’s campaign season commenced, over 30 political candidates have been killed, according to Data Civica, a non-governmental organization. Guerrero, situated along Mexico’s Pacific coast, has been particularly affected by drug cartel violence, recording a staggering 1,890 murders in 2023. The state’s strategic location makes it a major transit route for illicit drugs, making it a hotbed for violent clashes between criminal organizations.
These recent murders highlight the pressing need to address the pervasive violence in Mexico, which continues to claim innocent lives and threaten the democratic process.
