The Ejército de Liberación Nacional (Eln), one of Colombia's most enduring guerrilla groups, is currently expressing severe disillusionment with President Gustavo Petro's administration, particularly concerning his flagship policy of "total peace." In a recent interview with Caracol Televisión's ‘Los Informantes,’ prominent Eln leaders are openly declaring the peace process a “total failure,” further complicating the already fraught political landscape of Colombia.
Catatumbo Crisis: A Humanitarian Disaster
Amidst a deepening humanitarian crisis in the Catatumbo region, Norte de Santander, the Eln is facing accusations of perpetrating numerous atrocities. The area, known for its rich natural resources and strategic location bordering Venezuela, is grappling with escalating violence. According to Fabián Ramírez (Pulzo, n.d.), the clashes involve the Eln, dissident factions of the Farc, and state forces, leading to the displacement of over 50,000 people and the confinement of an additional 19,000.
Eln's Perspective: Disappointment and Justification
Alias ‘Silvana Guerrero,’ whose real name is Luz Amanda Pallares, a former pedagogy expert and peace talks spokeswoman during the Santos government, is articulating the group's grievances. She says, «Se ayuda a elegir desde el trabajo político que desarrollamos en todo el país por un candidato que produjo una expectativa, mucha población vio en Petro el presidente que podría cambiar el rumbo de este país y mira los ha decepcionado, pero no fue una orden del Eln que votaran por Petro. Nosotros también fuimos convencidos a una mesa que con él podríamos avanzar y mira que fracasamos en esa confianza y lectura en su momento».
According to Pulzo, the Eln leaders are maintaining that the surge in violence in Catatumbo is not solely driven by control over coca crops but is also part of a broader struggle for social and political transformations within Colombia.
Mounting Casualties and Government Response
Recent conflicts have resulted in at least 86 deaths in the past two months, predominantly combatants from the Farc dissidents' 33rd Front. In response, the government has deployed an additional 10,000 soldiers to the region. However, the ‘Los Informantes’ team reported a surprisingly light presence of armed forces during their journey to meet with the Eln commanders.
An Unsolicited Recommendation to President Petro
Alias ‘Ricardo’ is further intensifying the criticism, arguing that the “paz total” policy has instead led to a “guerra total.” He even went as far as to offer an audacious recommendation to President Petro: «Yo le recomendaría a Petro que vaya al psiquiatra y se eche una revisadita porque va muy en contravía por lo que fue elegido: a Petro lo eligió un pueblo sediento de solución política, sediento de cambios. ¿Qué cambios ha habido al día de hoy?», as reported by Pulzo.
Deepening Distrust and Uncertain Future
These statements are reflecting a growing sense of distrust and underscore the complexities of achieving lasting peace in Colombia. The Eln's leadership are expressing that Petro’s administration is straying from the promised path of political solutions and meaningful change.
Challenges in Catatumbo
The Eln's claims of not directly ordering votes for Petro are adding another layer of complexity to the already intricate political situation. As Pulzo (n.d.) points out, Catatumbo is experiencing a surge in clashes between the Eln, Farc dissidents, and state forces, leading to mass displacement and confinement. The Eln's denial of coca crop control as the primary driver of violence is contradicting common assumptions about the conflict’s motivations.
The Road Ahead
The unfolding situation is demanding a careful examination of the government’s approach to peace negotiations and a reassessment of strategies to address the root causes of conflict in the Catatumbo region. The Eln's critique of the “paz total” policy as escalating into a “guerra total” is raising critical questions about the effectiveness of current strategies. As the situation evolves, the need for comprehensive solutions and open dialogue becomes increasingly urgent.
References
Pulzo. (n.d.). Eln se confiesa y dice si ayudó a elegir a Petro como presidente. Pulzo. Retrieved from https://www.pulzo.com/nacion/eln-confiesa-dice-si-ayudo-elegir-gustavo-petro-como-presidente-PP4417778
