Colombian President Gustavo Petro has suspended peace talks with the ELN, citing their recent attacks as war crimes. The decision follows increased violence, including killings of ex-FARC members by the ELN. Petro asserted that the ELN demonstrates no true desire for peace, complicating efforts aimed at resolving the conflict.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro has announced the suspension of peace negotiations with the National Liberation Army (ELN). This decisive action follows the ELN’s violent attacks in the northeastern Catatumbo region, which Petro has classified as war crimes. In a statement shared on social media, Petro condemned the ELN’s lack of genuine intent for peace, stating, “The dialogue process with this group is suspended; the ELN has no will for peace.”
The ELN has a long-standing history of conflict in Colombia, particularly exploiting the socio-economic issues present in the region. President Petro’s administration had previously initiated a six-month truce and peace talks with the ELN, aimed at curbing the ongoing violence. However, this peace process has frequently been disrupted by hostilities, including a recent incident where ELN militants killed members of the demobilized Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC).
The suspension of peace talks by President Petro underscores the ongoing challenges Colombia faces in achieving lasting peace. Escalating violence from the ELN and the continued threat from splinter factions of FARC highlight the complexities of the conflict. While Petro’s promise of “total peace” remains a goal, the realities of armed conflict and impunity persist in Colombia.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
