- Thirty people have died, and 20 were injured in violent clashes between ELN and FARC dissidents near Colombia’s border with Venezuela.
- President Gustavo Petro has suspended peace negotiations with the National Liberation Army (ELN), citing war crimes.
- The violence stems from a territorial dispute linked to control of lucrative coca plantations.
- Petro’s “Total Peace” policy faces setbacks as armed groups continue to resist demobilization.
- Over 20 individuals remain missing, and families have been displaced as violence escalates.
Details of the Clashes
The violence erupted in the town of Tibu, North Santander department, as members of the ELN targeted FARC dissidents over control of coca plantations. These plantations fuel the cocaine trade in the Colombia-Venezuela border region, a hotspot for organized crime. ELN gunmen reportedly went door-to-door searching for individuals linked to FARC.
Governor William Villamizar described the conflict as a territorial dispute over the lucrative cocaine trade. The ELN, despite its nationalist and leftist rhetoric, has entrenched itself as a major player in organized crime.
Humanitarian Crisis
The violence has displaced dozens of families, and more than 20 people are missing. Soldiers have been deployed to stabilize the area, evacuate the wounded, and reestablish control. However, Colombia’s rugged terrain presents challenges for its armed forces.
Impact on ‘Total Peace’ Policy
President Gustavo Petro, Colombia’s first leftist leader, has centered his presidency on the “Total Peace” initiative, aiming to end conflicts with armed groups. However, the suspension of peace talks with the ELN marks a significant setback. Petro accused the group of lacking commitment to peace and committing war crimes.
While the FARC signed a historic peace agreement in 2016, splinter groups remain active, complicating Colombia’s efforts to achieve lasting peace. The ELN had previously undermined talks with a deadly attack on a military base last year.
The latest wave of violence underscores the challenges in implementing peace amid deep-rooted conflicts driven by ideology and the lucrative drug trade. As displaced families await relief and authorities struggle to reestablish order, Colombia’s journey toward lasting peace remains fraught with obstacles.
