By “El Huaso” for Borderland Beat
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| “This computer was donated by Señor Mencho in order to support the students of this school so that they have a better and greater education.” |
A video released on social media shows a classroom furnished with computers apparently donated by Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, alias “El Mencho”, the leader of the Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG).
The desktop background of each computer has a personal dedication note from Mencho as well as a logo used previously in other CJNG gifts. A text box on the screen reads: “A detail from papa Mencho”:
Handing out food, appliances, and other gifts is a common tactic used by the CJNG and other criminal groups in order to gain local support. Alongside the traditional turf conflict between the government and between criminal groups is the war of perception and propaganda, with each party competing to earn the trust and loyalty of the civilian population. While the turf is fought with AK-47s, the propaganda war is fought with narco messages, narco videos, and gifts.
The intention behind gifts and videos like these is to portray the CJNG as a beneficial force in the community. These gifts are the physical accompaniment to a barrage of narco messages and videos which blame the rival criminal group as being responsible for all violence and crime, and attempt to convince the general public that the CJNG will respect the community and will fight to bring peace to the region. Of course, the CJNG are little different than their rivals in predating on civilians and causing violence.
For example, in December 2019, CJNG members filmed themselves driving around the rural municipality of Tomatlán, Jalisco, handing out plastic bags filled with food and toys. The bags also contained a flyer with the same CJNG logo seen on the computer screensavers seen in this video, noticed Borderland Beat contributor Char.
The logo text reads “The Lord of the Roosters, Mencho, wishes you a Merry Christmas!”. The “Lord of the Roosters” is a common moniker for El Mencho, due to his apparent love of cockfighting.
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| Toys handed out in Tomatlán, Jalisco in December 2019. Image: @LPueblo2 |