Colombia peace talks collapse leaves 80 dead, official reports

January 23, 2025 by No Comments

Following the collapse of peace negotiations, over 80 people died in northeastern Colombia this past weekend, according to a Colombian official. The violence also left 20 injured and displaced thousands, prompting the Colombian army to conduct Sunday evacuations, according to North Santander Governor William Villamizar, where the majority of the deaths occurred.

Among the casualties were community leader Carmelo Guerrero and seven individuals who had sought to participate in the peace agreement, as reported by a government ombudsman agency on Saturday.

Multiple towns in the Catatumbo region, near the Venezuelan border, were affected by the attacks. At least three peace negotiators were also reportedly abducted.

Thousands have fled the area, seeking refuge in the mountains or government shelters.

“We were caught in the crossfire,” explained Juan Gutiérrez, who, along with his family, sought shelter in Tibú after abandoning their possessions and animals. “We had no time to gather our belongings. … I hope the government remembers us. … We are helpless here.”

The Colombian army rescued numerous people on Sunday, including one family and their pet dog, whose owner kept the animal cool by holding a pack of cold water against its chest during their helicopter evacuation.

On Sunday, visited Cúcuta, holding security meetings and calling on armed groups to disarm.

“The priority is saving lives and ensuring community safety,” he stated. “Our troops have been deployed throughout the region.”

Authorities are also preparing to distribute 10 tons of food and hygiene kits to roughly 5,000 displaced individuals in Ocaña and Tibú.

“Catatumbo needs assistance,” Villamizar announced Saturday. “Children, young people, entire families are arriving with nothing, using trucks, dump trucks, motorcycles, or walking to escape the conflict.”

This attack follows the suspension of peace talks with the National Liberation Army (ELN) on Friday, marking the second such suspension in under a year.

The Colombian government demands an end to ELN attacks and access for humanitarian aid.

“Displacement is devastating our region,” said José Trinidad, a municipal official in Convención, North Santander. “We fear the crisis will worsen.”

Trinidad urged insurgent groups to negotiate a new agreement to prevent further civilian suffering.

The ELN and former members of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), a guerrilla group that demobilized after a 2016 peace agreement, are clashing in Catatumbo over control of the coca-growing border region.

In a Saturday statement, the ELN claimed it had warned former FARC members that continued attacks on civilians would lead to armed conflict. The ELN blames ex-FARC rebels for several killings, including the January 15th murder of a couple and their 9-month-old child.

Army commander Gen. Luis Emilio Cardozo Santamaría announced Saturday that authorities were reinforcing a humanitarian corridor between Tibú and Cúcuta to facilitate the safe passage of displaced people. He also reported that specialized urban troops were deployed to municipalities facing high risk and fear.

The ELN has attempted to negotiate a peace deal with President Gustavo Petro’s administration five times, with talks collapsing each time following outbreaks of violence. The ELN’s demands, including recognition as a political rebel organization, have drawn criticism.