Colombian President Gustavo Petro has suspended peace talks with the ELN rebels due to their recent violent actions, labeling them as war crimes. Following an attack that killed five former FARC members, Petro expressed disappointment in the ELN’s commitment to peace. Human Rights Watch and UN officials emphasize the need for protecting civilians and reinstating a ceasefire to address the ongoing conflict.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro has declared the suspension of peace negotiations with the National Liberation Army (ELN) rebels, citing recent violent actions by the group as war crimes. The President’s announcement followed an ELN attack that resulted in the deaths of at least five individuals associated with the demobilized Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). In a social media message, Petro stated, “The dialogue process with this group is suspended; the ELN has no will for peace.”
The ELN has been involved in ongoing confrontations with FARC dissidents, specifically targeting the Estado Mayor Central (EMC), which is separately engaged in peace discussions with the government. Carlos Ruiz Massieu, representative of the UN Secretary-General, condemned the violence and urged for the protection of civilians, emphasizing that true dialogue necessitates respect for those pursuing peace.
Last year, a truce was established between Petro’s administration and the ELN, meant to last six months, but fierce clashes led to stalled discussions and a suspension in September after a deadly attack against government forces. Despite efforts to facilitate peace since Petro assumed office, the country continues to grapple with violence from the ELN and FARC factions that reject the 2016 peace agreement.
President Petro had committed to fostering “total peace” throughout Colombia, aiming to implement ceasefires with armed groups since taking office in 2022. Although his government has made some progress in reducing violence, challenges remain as rebel conflicts and confrontations with security forces continue. Human Rights Watch highlighted the ongoing abuses perpetrated by armed groups against civilians and the inadequacies in safeguarding vulnerable populations.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also reiterated calls for an immediate ceasefire, emphasizing the need for comprehensive monitoring and verification mechanisms to ensure the security of communities affected by the conflict. He stated, “I call on the parties to establish a new ceasefire as soon as possible.”
The ELN is a leftist armed group that has been involved in Colombia’s longstanding internal conflict, which has persisted for decades, often intertwined with the drug trade. The Colombian government reached a historic peace agreement with the FARC in 2016, leading to the demobilization of many fighters. However, violence from the ELN and factions of FARC that did not accept the peace deal has continued, necessitating ongoing dialogue and negotiation efforts from the government under President Gustavo Petro.
In summary, President Petro’s suspension of peace talks with the ELN highlights the ongoing struggle for stability in Colombia. The violence inflicted by the ELN, coupled with the complexities of post-peace agreement conflicts, underscores the challenges faced by the Colombian government in establishing lasting peace. Urgent calls from both the UN and Colombian authorities stress the necessity for ceasefires and effective protection of civilians amidst the ongoing violence.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
