Colombian ELN Guerrillas Threaten ‘Total War’ Amid Peace Accord Challenges
Colombian ELN guerrilla leaders warn of a potential escalation into ‘total war’ in response to government military actions in the northeast. With a history of violence and drug trafficking, recent clashes have led to widespread displacement and casualties. President Gustavo Petro’s promise of ‘total peace’ is challenged by the ELN’s refusal to disarm, raising concerns over national security and the prospects of enduring conflict.
Colombian guerrilla leaders from the National Liberation Army (ELN) have declared their intention to resist government forces in the northeast, cautioning that their efforts for “total peace” may devolve into “total war.” This warning surfaced during a rare interview conducted at a clandestine location near the Venezuelan border, where two top commanders spoke on the imminent threat posed by the 10,000 government troops surrounding them.
The ELN, a longstanding insurgent group with a 60-year history, has engaged in fierce battles, particularly causing the displacement of nearly 56,000 individuals and resulting in at least 76 fatalities since January, as per government sources. This surge in violence is among the most alarming in Colombia since the peace agreements of 2016 were enacted, prompting the government to declare a state of emergency in response to the escalating conflict.
In light of the rising tensions, President Gustavo Petro has pledged to restore governmental authority, asserting, “The ELN has chosen the path of war, and that’s what they will get.” Meanwhile, ELN commanders, protected by armed fighters, expressed a willingness for dialogue while simultaneously preparing for armed confrontation, asserting their commitment to defense against government incursions.
Recent confrontations between the ELN and another armed group, the 33rd Front, have been attributed to disputes over territory and cocaine trafficking routes, with the ELN’s domain acting as a critical corridor for drug production. Although Commander Silvana denied direct involvement in drug trafficking, she acknowledged the group’s imposition of taxes on local cocaine production, asserting their need for economic sustenance without aligning with narcotraffickers.
Critics of President Petro’s strategy of achieving “total peace” accuse dissident factions of exploiting a quasi-truce to regroup and fortify their positions. The emergence of numerous armed groups vying for territorial control reflects a troubling trend, especially as cocaine production has surged by 420 percent since 2012, according to United Nations data.
With fears mounting that Colombia may revert to a state of extensive warfare reminiscent of the past, the ELN has signaled a readiness for intensified conflict. Commander Silvana foresees a significant escalation in the Catatumbo region, while Ricardo rebuffed suggestions of demobilization as disingenuous. He maintained that the ELN’s revolutionary efforts remain paramount and essential for national transformation.
The current standoff between the Colombian government and the ELN highlights significant concerns surrounding national security and the challenges of achieving lasting peace. As violence escalates, the potential for a return to widespread conflict looms. The government’s approach to counterinsurgency and the ELN’s insistence on armed resistance reflect a precarious balance that may determine the future stability of Colombia.
Original Source: www.france24.com
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