Early Thursday morning, citizens began gathering outside the Sinaloa Congress to demand peace, security, and the resignation of Governor Rubén Rocha Moya. A large contingent had already formed inside the session hall as they awaited the start of what would be the penultimate session of the first ordinary period of the 65th legislature.
The protest, organized through social media, lacked identifiable organizers, leaving many demonstrators somewhat anonymous. According to images circulated online, the protest was set to officially begin at 10 AM. Despite the number of people present, the atmosphere remained calm, with attendees quietly displaying banners on the walls, voicing their pleas for safety and peace—a clear indication of the local populace's growing frustrations.
The security measures around the legislative venue were heightened, but access for employees and lawmakers was still permitted through the main entrance on Bulevar Pedro Infante. Advocates for peace, particularly those residing in Culiacán, found themselves united in their purpose.
María Teresa Guerra Ochoa, president of the Junta de Coordinación Política, assured attendees and observers alike, saying, "The doors are open for dialogue and not to incur acts of violence." She emphasized the importance of listening to the citizens' demands and recognized the challenges they faced. Guerra Ochoa expressed hopes for the demonstration to be constructive and peaceful, reflecting the community's need for tranquility and increased safety.
The legislature's leadership reiterated their commitment to addressing the pressing issues of security and public safety affecting the region. Guerra Ochoa pointed out the unique situation where, so far, there appeared to be no identifiable group responsible for the protest, merely invitations circulating on social media.
While acknowledging the citizens' concerns, Ambrocio Chávez Chávez, the president of the Commission of Public Finance and Administration, defended Governor Rocha Moya's administration, stating, "The Congress is united with the governor." He recalled the democratic process through which Rocha had been elected and reinforced the idea of governance as not being trivial, emphasizing the importance of stability during challenging times.
According to Chávez, the approval of budgets and the public accounts of the government demonstrated their collective support for Rocha Moya. He expressed concern about ensuring the protest remained peaceful and free from vandalism, saying any such actions would contradict the very purpose of the rally.
Despite the impending conclusion of the ordinary session on January 31, lawmakers planned to transition to the Permanent Deputation during the recess, ensuring continued legislative attention to the citizens’ demands for peace and security. They hoped the dialogue could pave the way for relevant actions post-protest.
Citizens' participation highlighted their determination to hold elected officials accountable, showcasing their insistence on safety improvements throughout Sinaloa. The collective voices rising from the demonstration signified not just local concerns but also broader societal needs for communication with leadership and the establishing of meaningful change.
This civil unrest, rooted deeply in the quest for security, illustrated the tensions within Sinaloa, where issues of violence have permeated everyday life. The citizens' outpouring of concern highlighted the urgency of their call for preventive measures and government accountability.
While the waning hours of the ordinary legislative session drew near, the public maintained their hope for productive dialogue aimed at realizing their goals. Perhaps, the pursuit of peace would emerge as the key to resolving the troubled waters of civic unrest and state governance.
It remains to be seen how this pressing citizen demand for safety will influence future legislative actions and how Rocha Moya’s government will respond to the chorus of voices advocating for change.