Colombian Guerrillas Escalate Tensions, Warning of ‘Total War’ Amid Peace Plan Failures

Colombia’s National Liberation Army (ELN) declares readiness for ‘total war’ against government forces amid a faltering peace plan. With recent violence displacing over 55,000 people, government responses include a state of emergency and military deployment. The situation underscores potential escalation and challenges President Petro’s peace initiatives, focusing on drug trafficking and territorial disputes.

In the Catatumbo Mountains, commanders from Colombia’s National Liberation Army (ELN) have warned of an impending “total war” against government forces. The guerrilla group, enduring a six-decade insurgency, faces a large government counteroffensive and has vowed to resist against 10,000 troops stationed nearby, claiming that the government’s current peace initiatives are failing.

Recent violence in the Catatumbo border region has displaced nearly 56,000 individuals and resulted in at least 76 fatalities, marking some of the most severe unrest since the peace accords of 2016. In response, the Colombian government has enacted a state of emergency, deploying thousands of military personnel to the area, with President Gustavo Petro reaffirming a commitment to restoring state control.

ELN Commander Ricardo expressed readiness to defend the group against military incursions, stating, “Petro has declared war. We are not afraid of that.” He emphasized that the perceived shift from potential peace to inevitable conflict threatens the future of Colombia. Meanwhile, Commander Silvana Guerrero, who is under a US$25,000 bounty and is accused of leading drug ties, insists their self-imposed taxes do not equate to cartel collaboration.

Analysts attribute the recent skirmishes largely to territorial disputes between the ELN and rival armed groups over cocaine trafficking routes. The ELN’s control of territories is critical for illegal drug production, which has seen significant growth since 2012. Critics assert that President Petro’s attempts to limit military action against non-compliant groups have allowed dissident factions to re-assert their presence.

With growing fears of escalating violence leading to another internal war, which has previously claimed millions of lives, Commander Silvana foresees a future escalation in the region. Commander Ricardo insists that effective change within the state is needed to avoid a continuation of conflict, asserting,”We will continue our resistance until we achieve our objective.”

Overall, the ELN’s assertion of preparedness for conflict amid ongoing government efforts for peace raises significant concern for Colombia’s future stability and governance as multiple armed factions vie for power.

In summary, the ELN’s resistance to governmental authority amidst stalled peace initiatives signifies a potential resurgence of violence in Colombia. The interplay between drug trafficking, territorial control, and armed conflict complicates the pursuit of lasting peace. President Petro’s strategy is under scrutiny as armed groups capitalize on the prevailing instability. Without significant reforms, the risk of reverting to a state of prolonged warfare looms, threatening the nation’s fragile peace.

Original Source: www.france24.com