Colombian ELN Guerrillas Threaten to Escalate War Amid Peace Plan Challenges

Colombia’s ELN guerrillas have vowed to resist government military efforts, amidst fears that peace initiatives may lead to renewed conflict. The ongoing violence has resulted in mass displacement and casualties, highlighting the struggles for control over cocaine trafficking routes. President Gustavo Petro’s peace policies face significant challenges, as armed groups gain power, raising concerns about the resurgence of large-scale violence in the country.

In a statement fraught with tension, leaders from Colombia’s National Liberation Army (ELN) have declared readiness to confront government forces amid concerns that the ongoing push for peace may devolve into widespread conflict. During a rare interview conducted in a secluded location, two prominent commanders warned that an accumulation of government troops nearby would not deter them from their stance. The ELN has been engaged in a protracted insurgency, which spans over six decades, and has become significantly entwined with the cocaine trade.

The current situation has escalated, with clashes between the ELN and a rival group resulting in significant casualties and substantial displacement of civilians. As reported by the government, nearly 56,000 individuals have been displaced, alongside at least 76 deaths. The national administration, led by President Gustavo Petro, has responded by declaring a state of emergency and deploying military forces with the intention of restoring control.

Commander Ricardo of the ELN articulated the group’s resolve, stating they are prepared for confrontation if the government continues its military actions. Despite acknowledging the possibility of dialogue, both commanders expressed readiness to engage in warfare if necessary. The ongoing violence underscores a deeper struggle for control over critical territories involved in cocaine trafficking, a factor analysts attribute to the recent eruptions of conflict.

The ELN has faced accusations of aligning with major drug trafficking organizations, notably Mexico’s Sinaloa Cartel. However, Commander Silvana denied these claims, clarifying that their group only levies taxes on coca production in their territory to sustain their economy. The political ramifications of the conflict have posed a significant challenge to President Petro’s initiative for “total peace,” which aimed to curtail military action against non-signatory groups of the 2016 peace accord, with the hope of reaching further agreements.

Critics contend that this leniency has allowed dissident factions to fortify their positions, exacerbating the complex landscape of armed groups vying for control over illicit enterprises across Colombia. According to estimates from the United Nations, land designated for coca production has surged by 420 percent since 2012, raising fears that Colombia may revert to the violent turmoil of past decades, a period marked by the loss of 1.1 million lives since the 1960s. Despite the ELN’s claim for a peaceful political resolution, prospects for escalating violence loom large, as both commanders indicated a readiness to escalate their military actions in the region, reinforcing their commitment to continue their struggle until their objectives are met.

The ongoing conflict in Colombia, particularly involving the ELN, presents a significant challenge to the nation’s aspirations for peace. With rising violence, territorial disputes over cocaine trafficking routes, and President Petro’s peace initiatives in jeopardy, the potential for a resumption of full-scale war remains a pressing concern. The situation underscores the delicate balance between military response and diplomatic efforts, highlighting the complexity of Colombia’s longstanding insurgency issues.

Original Source: www.france24.com