Oaxaca Peace Index ranking rose to 13th place in 2025 after Governor Salomón Jara Cruz’s dialogue policy reduced community blockages and secured key agrarian peace agreements.
Oaxaca climbed into the top 15 states on the Mexico 2025 Peace Index, moving up to 13th place under Governor Salomón Jara Cruz’s administration. Jesús Romero López, head of the Ministry of the Interior (SEGO), announced in a statement that the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) recognized Oaxaca’s focus on dialogue as the primary driver for resolving conflicts and maintaining stability across its eight regions.
Romero López highlighted that, in May alone, state authorities convened 462 dialogue tables—forums where community leaders and officials discuss local grievances and seek peaceful solutions. Those efforts led to fewer public blockages: from 68 percent in 2022 down to 42 percent in 2024. “Our call will always be for dialogue to build agreements and bring peace to Oaxaca,” said Romero López, underscoring the administration’s belief that discussions, not force, deliver lasting results.
The government’s release noted that these dialogue tables gave community members a consistent, transparent venue to raise demands without resorting to protests that disrupt daily life. By lowering the percentage of blockages, the state has kept roads open, businesses running, and schools in session—all critical elements for economic growth and social well-being.
In a further push for reconciliation, Oaxaca’s officials signed the 40th agrarian peace agreement this week. This multi-community accord resolves decades-old land disputes in rural areas across the state. It covers:
- Coast region: Ten communities reached agreements over shared grazing land and fishing rights.
- Sierra de Flores Magón: Four communities settled conflicts regarding agricultural boundaries.
- Mixteca region: Six communities agreed on water allocation to support small-scale farming.
- Central Valleys: Three communities resolved inheritance disputes that had stalled land transfers.
- Papaloapan Basin: Five communities secured water-use rights to protect river ecosystems.
- Sierra de Juárez: Eight communities finalized terms to manage communal forest resources.
- Isthmus of Tehuantepec: Two communities agreed on wind farm compensation mechanisms.
- Southern Sierra: Two communities reached consensus on road maintenance funding.
Many of these disputes date back to the 20th century, and lengthy legal wrangling often prevented families from investing in their land. Now, with peace agreements in hand, local farmers and ranchers can plan for the future. “These villages faced fractured relationships for years,” said Romero López. “By signing this 40th agreement, we make sure no community feels left out of progress.”
Governor Jara Cruz has made these dialogue initiatives a signature policy since taking office in late 2022. Rather than send in armed forces to break up protests, his administration prioritized mediation. Officials from SEGO travel to remote municipalities to convene stakeholders, listen to concerns, and offer technical or financial support where needed. That approach has signaled to communities that their grievances will be heard and addressed without violence.
The IEP’s Peace Index ranks states based on factors like homicide rates, criminal justice effectiveness, and social stability. Oaxaca improved its ranking by showing measurable decreases in violent confrontations and land-related conflicts. The state’s homicide rate dropped by 8 percent in the past year, while property crime reports declined by 10 percent. Combined with fewer road blockages and more signed peace pacts, Oaxaca earned enough points to move up four places since 2023.
Tourism operators in Oaxaca City say the higher ranking could attract more visitors. “Travelers look at safety statistics before booking,” explained María López, owner of a boutique hotel near the Zócalo. “Seeing Oaxaca in 13th place tells them we’re serious about community peace.” Local entrepreneurs hope the improved reputation will boost seasonal festivals like Guelaguetza, which typically draw thousands.
Still, challenges remain. Some communities in the Sierra Norte continue to protest over logging permits, and the Isthmus region worries about environmental impacts from major infrastructure projects. SEGO officials promise to keep holding dialogue tables until every voice is heard. Romero López emphasized that maintaining peace requires patience and ongoing communication. “We know conflicts won’t disappear overnight,” he said. “But by talking instead of fighting, we build trust that lasts.”
