On May 20, 2024, southwest Colombia witnessed a tragic escalation of violence, leaving at least four dead, including two police officers, and several civilians injured. The attacks, attributed to the EMC militia group, targeted a hospital in Jamundí and a police station in Morales. This surge in violence follows the FARC-EMC’s rejection of peace talks with the Colombian government, leading to assaults on security forces.

The European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO) reported that over 250,000 people faced displacement and violence in 2023, with a projected 8.3 million requiring aid in 2024 if hostilities continue. This crisis has been exacerbated by over 2.9 million Venezuelan refugees since 2015, highlighting the urgent need for coordinated international assistance.

In Bogota, President Gustavo Petro condemned the attacks, stating, “We will not allow these groups to derail our efforts towards peace and reconciliation.” Sergio Guzmán, director of the Colombia Risk Analysis consultancy, emphasized the EMC’s intent to assert dominance and disrupt the peace process. Juanita Goebertus, a member of Colombia’s House of Representatives, declared, “We will not be intimidated by these acts of violence. The government must take decisive action to protect our citizens and restore stability.”

Alejandro Reyes, a security analyst at CERAC, warned that the EMC’s actions could further destabilize the situation. Thus, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, stressed the need for “immediate humanitarian assistance and protection for the affected communities, including the growing number of displaced persons.”

President Petro’s approach towards peace with Colombia’s armed groups is commendable, demonstrating a commitment to resolving long-standing conflicts. Initiating ceasefires with major factions is a significant step towards reducing violence and facilitating humanitarian aid. However, concerns persist about the enforceability of these truces and their impact on ground conditions. The complexity of Colombia’s armed landscape, with new groups emerging post-FARC, highlights the challenges in achieving lasting peace.

The government’s humanitarian caravans and efforts to engage armed groups for aid delivery show a proactive response to urgent needs. Yet, moving forward, the development of clear protocols and sustained dialogue will be crucial. These measures are essential to translating peace initiatives into tangible improvements for civilians enduring conflict-related hardships.

The roots of violence in Colombia trace back to decades of civil conflict and the emergence of armed groups vying for control. The 2016 peace deal between the government and FARC was pivotal, yet the dissolution of FARC led to power vacuums exploited by new factions and criminal organizations. Since then, conflict has surged in rural areas, leading to widespread displacement and humanitarian crises. According to the UN, over 7.7 million Colombians require urgent humanitarian assistance due to escalating violence.

The proliferation of armed groups, coupled with the lucrative drug trade, continues to fuel unrest. Despite efforts to engage in peace talks and implement ceasefires, addressing deep-rooted grievances and ensuring lasting peace remain significant challenges, underscoring the complex dynamics of Colombia’s protracted conflict.

The recent surge of violence in southwest Colombia underscores the fragility of the country’s peace process. While President Petro’s efforts to engage armed groups through ceasefires and humanitarian initiatives are commendable, the lack of formal agreements and continued infighting among factions pose significant obstacles to stability. The crises of displacement, confinement, and humanitarian needs further underscore the urgency.

Moving forward, the Colombian government must develop robust protocols and enforcement mechanisms to ensure the efficacy of peace agreements. The international community must provide resources and expertise to address the multifaceted challenges facing conflict-affected communities. Only through a comprehensive, collaborative approach can Colombia hope to break the cycle of violence and forge a sustainable path toward peace and security for all its citizens.