Key Takeaways:
– Violent clashes between two guerrilla groups in northeastern Colombia have led to nationwide displacement.
– In just 10 days, the violence has displaced nearly 50,000 people with 13 people losing their lives this past weekend.
– The government declared a state of emergency and deployed 10,000 soldiers to restore order.
Peace Process in Jeopardy as Violence Flares up in Colombia
In a spate of violence that has rocked northeastern Colombia, conflict between two guerrilla groups has left 13 people dead this past weekend. This surge in violence has forced around 50,000 individuals to leave their homes within a span of 10 days. Over these ten days, fifty-four deaths have been confirmed, marking a decline from a reported figure of around 80 last week.
Colombia Declares State Of Emergency
Responding to the crisis, the government declared a state of emergency. They have also assured a firm response against the left-wing guerrillas by deploying about 10,000 soldiers. This measure is aimed at curbing the violence and protecting the delicate national peace process.
Bloodshed Across Several Regions
The bloody ordeal isn’t limited to one location. In fact, reports have shown that the bloodshed has been sweeping through various parts of the country. Incidents have been reported in three separate Colombian departments. These reports range from the remote Amazon jungle in the south to the mountainous northeastern border with Venezuela.
Turf War Sparks the Violence
Experts believe the root cause of the latest bout of violence points to a turf war. This conflict is between the ELN guerrilla group and a rival faction made of ex-members of the FARC guerrilla force. The latter is a group that disarmed under a 2016 peace agreement.
The aim of this turf war? A struggle for territory and control over lucrative coca plantations and trafficking routes in the Catatumbo region.
Far-Left Groups Vie for Control
The battle between the ELN and FARC dissidents rages on for control of the vital coca plantations and trafficking routes in the area. President Gustavo Petro is slated to visit the embattled region this week.
Victims Mostly Farc Dissidents
The government reports that the thirteen casualties from this weekend’s violence appear to be FARC dissidents. Reports from military intelligence suggest that the ELN is attempting to eliminate a FARC dissident group known as the 33rd Front. This group was previously an ally in the region.
Displacement and Civil Unrest
The recent clashes increased the number of displaced people to 48,000 with an additional 11 wounded and 12 missing. Colombia, known as the world’s largest cocaine producer, has seen almost a decade of relative peace since the FARC laid down their arms. This move was intended to put a halt to the decades-long civil war that claimed around 450,000 lives.
Despite this, parts of the country are still under the control of a variety of left-wing guerrillas, right-wing paramilitaries, and drug cartels. All of these groups continue to battle for territorial control and trafficking routes.
Government’s Hard Stand Against the ELN
Things have taken a drastic turn since the Colombian government reactivated arrest warrants for the ELN commanders last week. President Petro has also suspended peace discussions with the group. This conflict paints a grim picture of the peace scenario in the country. The next few weeks will be pivotal in determining the course for the peace process and for the people of Colombia.