Mexican president-elect visits Juarez to promote peace amid escalating violence

Mexican President-elect Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador visited Juarez to promote Forums for Peace and National Reconciliation amid growing violence.

Combating crime, and promoting peace were both campaign promises Lopez Obrador made.

Homicides in Juarez are on the rise: In June 177 killings were reported, 177 happened in July as well, adding to the more than 700 to-date, according to El Diario de Juarez.

Last week, ABC-7 reported 11 people were murdered in south Juarez.

Victims of violence and community members were invited to attend the meetings held at the Autonomous University of Juarez.

Audience response and concern from cities on the president-elect’s tour of Mexico will be used to create policies addressing violence in the country.

Lopez Obrador has already received criticism over a plan to give low-level drug dealers amnesty. He said they lack opportunity, and are victims of their circumstances, adding that he hopes to implement social programs to provide more educational opportunities and improve wages.