The ELN has vowed to resist the Colombian government’s military counteroffensive, warning that the peace initiative is unravelling. Violence has displaced 56,000 people and resulted in 76 deaths. The conflict is largely driven by territorial disputes over cocaine trafficking routes, endangering President Petro’s peace strategy. Armed groups continue to compete for control, causing significant increases in coca cultivation since 2012.
The National Liberation Army (ELN), a long-established leftist guerrilla group in Colombia, has vowed to resist a military offensive initiated by President Gustavo Petro’s administration. They claim that his “total peace” initiative is deteriorating, potentially leading to an uptick in armed conflict. Since January, clashes in the northeastern region have resulted in approximately 56,000 people being displaced and at least 76 reported deaths, marking a significant resurgence of violence since the 2016 peace agreement with the FARC.
In response to this ongoing violence, the government has declared a state of emergency and stationed 10,000 troops to restore order. Ricardo, a leader within the ELN’s northeastern unit, stated, “Petro has declared war. We are not afraid of that,” indicating an unwillingness to concede to government pressure. He asserted that the group would escalate their defense of territory if military forces continue to advance.
The conflict has been exacerbated by territorial disputes over valuable cocaine trafficking routes into Venezuela. The ELN controls several important production areas for coca, which is essential for cocaine manufacture, and acts as a route for narcotics destined for global markets. While authorities suspect the ELN of engaging with Mexico’s Sinaloa Cartel in drug trafficking, the group maintains that it only collects “taxes” on coca production in its areas to support its operations.
The resurgence of violence places Petro’s peace strategy under threat, as critics argue that leniency has allowed dissident factions to regroup and strengthen their criminal activities. The escalating conflict underscores the difficulties in achieving lasting peace in Colombia, with armed groups competing for control of drug economies, evidenced by a staggering 420 percent rise in coca cultivation since 2012, according to United Nations reports.
Despite claiming openness to negotiations, the ELN’s leadership has reiterated their commitment to defending their territory, which raises concerns about a prolonged conflict. The Colombian government remains focused on reasserting control over these unstable regions, which could herald a sustained confrontation with the insurgents.
The ELN’s firm stance against government military actions highlights the precarious state of peace in Colombia. As violence escalates and territorial disputes intensify, President Petro’s initiatives face significant challenges. With both sides poised for confrontation, the future of Colombia’s peace efforts remains uncertain, necessitating a comprehensive approach to addressing the root causes of conflict and drug trafficking.
Original Source: www.firstpost.com
