Notes from Oaxaca

The following collection of articles on Oaxacan radical movements between January and September 2008 was translated from a number of different sources and posted to libcom‘s forums. They provide a number of useful insights into the situation in the volatile Mexican region.

The background:

In 2006 the Mexican state of Oaxaca was embroiled in a conflict that lasted more than seven months and resulted in at least eighteen deaths and the temporary occupation of the capital city of Oaxaca by the Popular Assembly of the Peoples of Oaxaca (APPO).

The conflict emerged in May 2006 with a strike involving the local teachers’ union and has since grown into a broad-based movement pitting the Popular Assembly of the Peoples of Oaxaca (APPO) against the state’s governor, Ulises Ruiz Ortiz. Protesters demand the removal or resignation of Ortiz, whom they accuse of corruption and acts of repression.

Download the translations: Notes from Oaxaca

Contents

Oaxaca: Overcoming the fear
Explaining the recent history and progress of Oaxacan politics and the APPO

Caravans for land and territory
The story of a radical youth caravan which travelled through the Oaxacan region in an attempt to document what is happening and foster ties between the cities and rural areas.

• Caravans for land and territory

• The Path of the Jaguar

• The caravan begins to move

Barefoot Investigators
A statement of intent to push for the continued revitalising and radicalisation of APPO from various groups and individuals

March-Calenda for dignity and justice
A short description of a 2008 march to commemorate a brutal attack on demonstrators on July 16th 2007

Letter to a lost friend
A heartfelt letter to murdered radical Lorenzo San Pablo to tell him that in his name resistance will not waver.

Community airwaves, free to all
A call to defend the independent radio voices which have helped spread APPO’s influence far and wide in the Oaxaca region

source: http://libcom.org/library/notes-oaxaca