The Catatumbo region in northeastern Colombia faces a severe humanitarian crisis following military actions against the ELN. With over 91,000 people affected by violence and displacement, the situation has drawn criticism for inconsistent military responses against President Petro’s peace initiatives. Vulnerable communities, particularly the Indigenous Barí, endure escalating human rights abuses as the coca economy thrives amidst structural neglect and ongoing armed tensions.

In response to an attack by the National Liberation Army (ELN) on the 33rd Front, President Gustavo Petro invoked emergency powers in January, leading to military reinforcement in Catatumbo, Colombia. With over 5,000 soldiers deployed, local movements have criticized this militarized approach as contrary to Petro’s Total Peace strategy. The region now faces significant displacement, with nearly 92,000 people impacted by the conflict and heightened human rights violations, including numerous fatalities among former guerrillas and community leaders.

The humanitarian crisis has prompted many to seek refuge in Tibú, Ocaña, and Cúcuta, complicating aid access due to ELN dominance. Elizabeth Dickinson from the International Crisis Group remarked on the difficulty of delivering assistance as the armed groups exert control over civil society participation. Air evacuations for those in imminent danger, particularly former FARC members, have taken place as their security remains a pressing concern stemming from the government’s promise following the 2016 Peace Agreement.

The ongoing violence in northeastern Colombia exacerbates a long-standing humanitarian crisis, as emphasized by Giovanni Rizzo of the Norwegian Refugee Council. Multiple governments have previously failed to address basic public service access in the Catatumbo region. Despite the Peace Agreement, violence has persisted, and communities face systemic poverty and continual threats from various armed factions, particularly impacting the Barí Indigenous community.

The Barí, numbering fewer than 6,000, face compounded human rights abuses, food insecurity, and territorial violations. Their appeals for support remain marginalized amid the larger crisis. Armed groups, including ELN and FARC dissidents, have historically contested control over the region, with devastating effects on civil society, including threats to social leaders and community organizations engaged in peace initiatives.

High poverty levels drive dependence on illicit coca cultivation in Norte de Santander. Although voluntary crop substitution programs were established, inadequate funding and persistent violence have undermined their success. Consequently, the coca economy is expanding again, fueling organized crime and civil unrest.

The Colombian government’s recent strategies, including Petro’s proposed compensation for crop substitution, face skepticism due to the region’s entrenched precarity. Additionally, the controversial appointment of Pedro Sánchez as Defence Minister has raised concerns about a return to militarization and U.S. military aid pressures. As armed conflict continues, criticisms of the state’s lack of support for grassroots organizations are growing, reflecting fears of escalating repression against social movements. This pattern echoes the historical struggles against past government practices, solidifying the region’s precarious situation amidst external and internal pressures.

The Catatumbo crisis illustrates the intersection of military action and humanitarian need within Colombia, raising significant concerns for marginalized communities like the Barí. The escalating violence underscores the failure to implement effective peace strategies, leaving vulnerable populations to navigate systemic neglect and threats from armed groups. As regional instability continues, the urgent need for a comprehensive and coordinated response to humanitarian challenges remains critical.

Original Source: www.fairplanet.org

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