Colombia’s Peace Talks With The National Liberation Army Suspended Amid Growing Violence

On January 17th, Colombian President Gustavo Petro suspended all peace talks with the National Liberation Army after accusing the group of committing serious war crimes in the country’s Norte de Santander providence, according to Reuters. 

The National Liberation Army, also known as the E.L.N., is a guerrilla group inspired by the Cuban Revolution of 1959. This leftist group was officially founded in 1964 in Colombia, with its initial bases in rural parts of the country such as Santander, which is currently experiencing brutal violence at the hands of the E.L.N. Currently, the E.L.N. is designated as a terrorist organization by countries like the United States and the European Union. Fueled by inequality in Colombia and by systemic corruption, the group has been responsible for unyielding violence and social upheaval throughout the country. The E.L.N. is closely connected to dozens of cases of violent kidnappings, extortion, drug trafficking, the use of child soldiers, and the murder of civilians. In recent years, President Petro has attempted to achieve peace and reconciliation with the guerrilla group by engaging in various forms of peaceful dialogue. However, the recent cancellation of peace talks between the E.L.N. and the Colombian government highlights the ongoing challenges associated with the violent actions of the E.L.N. 

According to President Petro, “The dialogue process with this group is suspended; the E.L.N. has no will for peace.” To further build upon this, a recent report by Human Rights Watch cited “serious abuses committed by the National Liberation Army.” Human Rights Watch further confirmed that “violence associated with the armed conflict has forcibly displaced millions of people, and impunity for serious abuses remains a concern.” According to research completed by the organization, armed groups in the region “continue to commit serious abuses against civilians, including killings, child recruitment, and rape, especially in rural areas of the Pacific region.” Furthermore, in a recent press conference, the Colombian Minister of Defense, Iván Velásquez, stated, “With the support of the public force, humanitarian aid is arriving at shelters to assist those displaced by the criminal actions of the E.L.N.” Foreign Minister Velásquez also sent a message to the Catatumbo region, which is suffering greatly at the hands of the E.L.N.: “Your commitment to the protection of our country and every Colombian man and woman in this region is an example of bravery and dedication. We are with you. We support your efforts to stabilize this territory and restore its inhabitants’ peace.” Actions taken by the E.L.N. have significantly impacted Colombia, further prompting President Petro’s decision to suspend all peace talks with the guerrilla group. 

The recent cancellation of peace talks between Colombia and the E.L.N. is another barrier that prevents peace in the region. While President Petro’s initial attempts to create peaceful dialog between both Colombia and the E.L.N. were promising, his recent decision to suspend all peace talks highlights how complex the peace process can be with armed groups. While Petro’s decision can be seen as necessary to ensure that national security is prioritized, the suspension raises broader questions about the desire for authentic, long-lasting peace. Without a practical resolution and a willingness to engage in peaceful dialog, civilians living in this region of Colombia will continue to suffer. In order to truly instill peace in the Santander region, the Colombian government must ensure the safety of its citizens while simultaneously addressing the root causes of the E.L.N. insurgency. Such causes associated with this group include inequality, poverty, and lack of development in rural regions. Investing in education and job programs in rural areas could reduce the strength of the E.L.N. It is clear that Colombia’s reliance on military force rather than focusing on economic and social disparities takes away from the peace process. To fully combat the violence in the Santander region, a resolution must focus on addressing the challenges and disparities that have driven the E.L.N. group to militarize in the first place. A renewal of productive dialogue and values centered around peace and stability must be prioritized in order to end the brutal violence in Norte de Santander. 

President Petro’s suspension of peace talks highlights the complexity and severity of the violence in the Norte de Santander region. While violence persists in Colombia, a comprehensive and structured approach can be taken to combat the chaos caused by the E.L.N. This will, in turn, ensure that the lives of civilians are protected while simultaneously reopening the floor to meaningful dialog.

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