Colombia’s ELN guerrilla group warns of escalating conflict in response to government military action, citing the decline of President Petro’s “total peace” initiative. Rising violence has led to significant civilian displacement and fatalities, alongside increasing territorial disputes over cocaine trafficking routes. The ELN has pledged to defend its positions, complicating efforts towards peace amidst overall instability in the region.
The National Liberation Army (ELN), Colombia’s leftist guerrilla group, has announced its intent to resist government military actions amid growing conflict. They assert that President Gustavo Petro’s “total peace” initiative is deteriorating, resulting in increased hostilities. The ELN, which has been active for sixty years, faces intense rivalry in the northeastern Catatumbo border region.
Recent violence has displaced approximately 56,000 individuals and claimed at least 76 lives since January, marking some of the most severe conflict Colombia has experienced since the 2016 peace accord with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). In reaction, the Petro administration has initiated a state of emergency and deployed 10,000 troops to reclaim control over the area.
Ricardo, a leader within the ELN’s northeastern front, commented, “Petro has declared war. We are not afraid of that.” He emphasized their commitment to self-defense, claiming, “This total peace that Petro has been talking about, in the end, it is becoming total war.”
The ongoing violence is predominantly fueled by disputes over territory and control of cocaine trafficking routes leading into Venezuela. The ELN operates in a crucial area for coca production—a significant source for cocaine—and a vital pathway for drug shipments to global markets. Although authorities link the ELN with Mexico’s Sinaloa Cartel, the group denies participating directly in drug trafficking, stating that it imposes “taxes” on cocaine production within its domain to support its activities.
This renewed fighting jeopardizes President Petro’s peace strategy aimed at negotiating with remaining armed insurgents. Critics argue that leniency extended to dissident factions has allowed them to reorganize and seize control of criminal operations, thereby exacerbating instability.
The current clashes underscore the vulnerability of Colombia’s peace initiatives. Armed groups continue to contest control of illicit economies, contributing to a staggering 420 percent increase in coca cultivation since 2012, as reported by the United Nations. Despite expressing willingness for dialogue, ELN commanders maintain a strong defensive posture, suggesting the likelihood of further escalation and prolonged conflict in one of Colombia’s most precarious regions.
In summary, the ELN’s declarations of resisting government efforts exacerbate the fragile peace in Colombia. With a significant increase in violence and territorial disputes driven by cocaine trafficking, the resistance from the ELN challenges President Petro’s “total peace” initiative. The situation necessitates careful attention as the potential for further conflict looms.
Original Source: www.firstpost.com
