In a significant setback to Colombia's peace efforts, an attack by the National Liberation Army (ELN) has severely undermined ongoing negotiations. The incident, occurring on September 17, 2024, in the border province of Arauca, resulted in the deaths of two soldiers and left 27 others injured.
President Gustavo Petro, Colombia's first leftist leader, expressed his dismay at the situation. "An explosive-laden truck, planted by the ELN with whom we were discussing peace, has effectively terminated the peace process with bloodshed," he stated during an event in Bogota.
The ELN, Colombia's largest remaining guerrilla group founded in 1964, has an estimated 2,500-3,000 fighters. Known for its Marxist-Leninist ideology and opposition to resource privatization, the group has been designated a terrorist organization by Colombia, the United States, and the European Union.
This attack marks the most severe incident since the bilateral ceasefire between the government and ELN concluded in August 2024. It highlights the fragility of peace efforts in a conflict that has spanned six decades, resulting in over 450,000 deaths and more than 7 million displacements.
Petro, a former member of the M-19 guerrilla group, initiated peace talks with the ELN in late 2022 as part of his "Total Peace" initiative. However, the process has faced numerous challenges, including the government's decision to engage in separate negotiations with an ELN splinter group in southwestern Colombia.
The ELN, which finances its operations through drug trafficking and illegal mining, has a history of failed peace negotiations. Its presence in both Colombia and Venezuela complicates efforts to achieve a lasting resolution.
As Colombia grapples with this latest setback, the future of the peace process remains uncertain. The incident in Arauca, a key oil-producing region, underscores the complex interplay of political, economic, and security factors that continue to shape the country's struggle for peace.
"A truck, loaded with explosives which wounded 27 young people and killed two, planted by the ELN with who we were talking about peace (...) well, that's practically an action that ends the peace process with blood"
The attack serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing Colombia as it seeks to end a conflict that has defined much of its recent history. As the government reassesses its approach, the path to peace appears more fraught than ever.