President Abelardo de la Espriella distributed footballs bearing his party's logo to residents in the Chocó region following a devastating earthquake [1, 2].
The gesture has sparked widespread outrage among survivors who argue that symbolic gifts are an inadequate substitute for life-saving humanitarian aid. The controversy highlights a perceived disconnect between the national government and the immediate needs of victims in one of Colombia's most vulnerable regions.
The 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck on Aug. 14 [3, 4]. The disaster centered on the Chocó region, primarily impacting the city of Quibdó [2, 3]. The scale of the tragedy is reflected in the casualties, though reports vary. While some sources report 111 deaths [4], AP News reports that rescuers have confirmed at least 181 deaths [3].
On Aug. 17, the president visited the affected area to distribute the footballs [1, 2]. De la Espriella said the items were a gesture of solidarity. "These balls are a symbol of hope for our community," he said [1].
Residents of Quibdó responded with anger, noting that basic necessities remain scarce days after the quake. One resident told Al Jazeera, "We need food and water, not footballs" [1].
The distribution of equipment branded with the president's political party logo has further fueled criticism. Opponents said the move was an attempt to use a humanitarian crisis for political branding rather than providing systemic relief.
Rescue operations continue in the region as officials work to locate missing persons, and stabilize damaged infrastructure [3].
“"We need food and water, not footballs."”
The backlash against President de la Espriella underscores the tension between political symbolism and disaster management. By distributing party-branded items in a region facing a critical shortage of food and water, the administration risks alienating a population already reeling from a high death toll. This incident may intensify scrutiny of the government's logistical capacity to handle large-scale natural disasters in remote provinces like Chocó.
