President Gustavo Petro declared emergency powers in Colombia’s Catatumbo region amid escalating violence between armed groups, resulting in over 32,000 displacements and multiple fatalities. The decree allows for curfews and restrictions on civil rights. Humanitarian concerns rise as residents flee to safety, while rights groups demand protection for civilians from ongoing violence.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro has declared a state of emergency in the Catatumbo region, located on the northeastern border with Venezuela, where violence among armed groups has escalated. His decree grants him emergency powers for up to 270 days, enabling him to impose curfews and restrict civil liberties without congressional approval, all aimed at regaining control in an area suffering from significant unrest and displacement.
Reports indicate that recent fighting, particularly between ELN rebels and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), has resulted in the deaths of at least 80 individuals and displaced over 32,000 residents. Civilians are reportedly facing door-to-door violence and indiscriminate attacks, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis as families flee to safety.
In response to the ongoing violence, President Petro’s administration has suspended peace talks with the ELN, which had aimed to address long-standing conflicts in Colombia. The government has increased military presence in Catatumbo and reissued arrest warrants for ELN leaders, emphasizing the need for intervention amidst increasing hostilities.
Amidst this chaos, prominent rights organizations, including Amnesty International, have urged authorities to prioritize the protection of civilians in Catatumbo, voicing concerns over potential killings and enforced disappearances. Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for a halt to violence against civilians and unrestricted humanitarian access to the affected regions.
The displacement crisis has led many residents to flee to Venezuela or the neighboring Norte de Santander region, where aid groups report a significant influx of families seeking refuge. Adib Fletcher from Project HOPE stated that these displaced individuals arrive with minimal belongings and face uncertain futures, raising concerns about health issues in overcrowded shelters
One displaced individual, Zilenia Pana, shared her traumatic experience, expressing sorrow over the violence and a desire to return home with her children. She highlighted the emotional toll of witnessing violence in her community and echoed a common plea among the displaced for peace and safety, hoping for a return to normalcy after the turmoil in Catatumbo.
The Catatumbo region of Colombia has historically been plagued by violence due to clashes between various armed groups, including guerrilla factions and dissident groups. It is a strategic area for drug trafficking, making it a hotspot for conflict. The recent surge in violence, particularly since mid-January 2023, reflects ongoing struggles for control among these groups, compounded by the social and humanitarian crises affecting the local population.
The declaration of emergency powers by President Gustavo Petro represents a significant response to the escalating violence in the Catatumbo region, which has led to considerable civilian displacement and suffering. The situation remains precarious, with calls from international organizations for enhanced protection of innocent lives and urgent humanitarian assistance to displaced families and affected communities. Without coordinated measures to address both security and humanitarian needs, the violence may persist, deepening the crisis.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
