Achuar Territory.- From May 16–20, the 5th Ordinary Congress of the Binational Coordination of the Achuar Nation of Ecuador and Peru (COBNAEP) was held in the Native Community of Charapa Cocha, where delegations from the bases of the Achuar Nation of Ecuador (NAE) and the Federation of the Achuar Nationality of Peru (FENAP) gathered. These organizations form part of this cross-border Achuar alliance.
During five days of governance discussions, the agenda focused on territorial defense, integration, and planning to strengthen ties among Achuar families across the full extent of Achuar territory. For the Achuar Nation, the borders between Ecuador and Peru represent an invisible division imposed upon a people who have ancestrally inhabited and traveled this territory as one.
In this context, COBNAEP serves as a key platform for coordination, strengthening an Indigenous Nation that faces shared challenges and carries forward common strengths inherited across generations. The election of a new leadership council therefore marks an important moment of growth and celebration for the Achuar people. Particularly significant is the election of Sumbinianch Mitiap Kapuchak as Binational Coordinator for the next four-year term. Previously serving in youth leadership, his election reflects the continued growth of the Nation and the active role of Achuar youth in shaping its future.
In addition, Fredy Vargas was elected Vice Coordinator, Alfonso Canelos as the new Youth Leader, and Lucinda Wasum Tampet as Gender Equity Leader, a position created for the first time within the organization’s governing council.
Uyunkar Domingo Peas Nampichkai, president of our Alliance, participated in the ceremony and reaffirmed a message that unites us: “There are no Achuar from Peru and Achuar from Ecuador. We are one Nation, beyond borders.”
From our Alliance, we celebrate the election of this new leadership council and extend deep respect to those stepping down from their leadership roles. We hope that COBNAEP continues advancing with determination in the defense and unity of Achuar territory, in harmony with the knowledge and ways of the Achuar people.