Colombia’s government and the National Liberation Army (ELN) have commenced a six-month ceasefire, representing a major step towards President Gustavo Petro’s ambitious goal of resolving the country’s decades-long conflict. The ceasefire, lasting until February, is the result of ongoing peace negotiations between the government and the ELN, aiming to put an end to the violence that has claimed the lives of over 450,000 people.
ELN’s top commander, Eliecer Herlinto Chamorro, also known as Antonio Garcia, announced in a video on Monday that all units have been instructed to suspend offensive operations against the Colombian state’s armed forces, police, and security organizations. However, the ELN reserves the right to defend itself if necessary during the ceasefire.
The government’s high peace commissioner, Danilo Rueda, emphasized on Tuesday that the ceasefire is crucial in preventing violence and human rights abuses, including kidnappings. He assured the civilian population that they can feel secure during this period.
Petro and the negotiating teams are expected to establish a committee to involve civil society in the talks, demonstrating the significant progress made in the ELN negotiations compared to other peace-building efforts.
Previously, the government ended a ceasefire with the Clan del Golfo, also known as the Gaitanista Self-defense Force of Colombia (AGC), due to their alleged involvement in violent protests by informal miners. However, the government remains open to negotiations with the Clan.
Furthermore, the government announced plans for negotiations with the Estado Mayor Central (EMC), a dissident faction of the now-demobilized Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) rebels, who rejected the 2016 peace agreement. The talks’ specific start date is yet to be determined.
Although talks were proposed with the Segunda Marquetalia, a FARC dissident faction that returned to arms after accusing the state of not honoring the 2016 accord, there has been no confirmation of potential negotiations.
