Facing escalating violence in a coca-growing region bordering Venezuela, Colombian President Gustavo Petro issued an emergency decree on Friday.

Effective immediately, and potentially extendable, this 90-day decree grants the president authority to implement curfews, control traffic, and take other measures that would typically infringe on citizens’ rights or necessitate congressional approval.

This unprecedented action, the first of its kind in over a decade, reflects the severity of the conflict in a nation with a long history of political unrest.

The decree’s scope is limited to Catatumbo, a rural area near the Venezuelan border where government control has been historically weak. Recent clashes between the National Liberation Army (ELN) and former Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) rebels have resulted in at least 80 deaths and the displacement of approximately 36,000 people.

Petro’s move has drawn criticism from conservative opponents who accuse him of unconstitutional overreach. Conversely, some activists express optimism, hoping the intervention leads to improvements in infrastructure, healthcare, and education within the traditionally neglected region. “Why are the armed groups here? Because the last government hasn’t made investments. They’ve abandoned us,” commented Jaime Botero, an activist from Tibu, to the Associated Press.

Earlier this week, Petro reinstated arrest warrants for 31 top ELN commanders, previously suspended to facilitate peace negotiations. He also suspended ongoing peace talks, which have progressed slowly since his 2022 inauguration.

While the ELN historically held dominance in Catatumbo, they’ve been losing ground to FARC dissidents. The conflict’s impact extends across the border into Venezuela, where many are seeking refuge.

The current location of the ELN peace negotiators remains unknown. However, Cuba’s government recently confirmed their absence from the country, prompting speculation about their potential hiding place, potentially with a sponsor of Petro’s peace initiative.