Colombian President Gustavo Petro has enacted emergency powers amid surging violence in the Catatumbo region, which has displaced over 32,000 individuals and resulted in more than 80 deaths. The decree allows for measures such as curfews and traffic restrictions. The violence is primarily between ELN rebels and dissident FARC groups competing for drug trafficking control, leading to the suspension of peace talks. Local and international calls for civilian protection have intensified amid the humanitarian crisis.
In response to escalating violence in the Catatumbo region bordering Venezuela, Colombian President Gustavo Petro has declared a state of emergency. This decree allows him up to 270 days to implement measures, including curfews and traffic restrictions, which may typically infringe on civil liberties or need legislative approval. More than 32,000 individuals have been displaced, with at least 80 fatalities reported due to confrontations among rival armed groups, including the ELN and dissident FARC factions.
The violence, which has surged since mid-January, centers in the northeastern area of Catatumbo, where rival factions are vying for control over drug trafficking routes. As a result, authorities have suspended peace negotiations with the ELN amidst the violence escalation. President Petro, having promised to establish “total peace” when he took office in 2022, faces challenges from ongoing clashes despite previous reductions in violence via dialogue.
To combat the recent unrest, the Colombian government has deployed thousands of military personnel to the Catatumbo region. Concurrently, the attorney general’s office has announced the reinstatement of arrest warrants for numerous ELN leaders associated with the violence. The ELN refutes accusations of targeting civilians, asserting their actions are directed against former FARC affiliates, although humanitarian reports indicate significant civilian suffering due to the conflict.
Human rights organizations have called upon the government to secure the safety of civilians, raising alarms about enforced disappearances and increasing danger in the region. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed grave concern over the situation, advocating for immediate violence cessation against civilians and unobstructed humanitarian aid access to affected areas. Many fleeing residents have sought refuge in nearby regions or even crossed into Venezuela, exacerbating the plight of displaced families.
Adib Fletcher from Project HOPE noted that many families, including mothers with young children, are arriving in shelters with limited belongings and uncertainty about their return home. One displaced resident, Zilenia Pana, described the trauma of witnessing violence, echoing a profound desire for safety and peace to enable her family’s return. The humanitarian crisis persists, illustrating the urgent need for intervention and support in the Catatumbo region.
The Catatumbo region has long been marked by violence among various armed groups, including guerrilla factions and splinter cells. This current wave of violence is largely attributed to competition over lucrative drug trafficking routes, following a weakened control of major armed forces due to political negotiations. Recently, Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro aimed to achieve peace through dialogues and negotiations, but violence has surged, leading to a humanitarian crisis that has forced thousands to flee their homes.
The declaration of emergency powers by President Gustavo Petro underscores the severe and immediate threat posed by armed group violence in Catatumbo. With thousands displaced and civilian lives at stake, ongoing military and governmental efforts strive to restore order while protecting vulnerable populations. The plight of displaced individuals remains critical, and the call for international humanitarian aid is more pressing than ever to ensure their safety and support.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
