21.01.2025 11:40
In Colombia, 80 people lost their lives in the clashes between ELN and FARC. The government declared a 'State of Internal Turmoil' and an 'Economic State of Emergency.' President Petro stated that judicial support is needed to combat the effects of violence.
After the death of 80 people in the clashes between the National Liberation Army (ELN) armed rebel group and the former Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) 33rd front in Colombia, the government declared a "State of Internal Disturbance."
President Gustavo Petro stated in a post on his X social media account that there is a need for judicial support, using the expression, "A State of Internal Disturbance and Economic State of Emergency has been declared."
THE CONSTITUTION GIVES AUTHORITY FOR A STATE OF INTERNAL DISTURBANCE
Reacting to the ELN, Petro said, "Revolution is only made with the people and without violence. Peace is a revolutionary banner because it is the banner of life. Military takeover will always develop with the economic transformation of regions under violence. The ELN has chosen the path of war and they will continue to war. As a government, we stand with the people."
According to Article 213 of the Constitution, a "State of Internal Disturbance" can be declared in the event of serious public order disturbances.
This situation is applied in events that threaten institutional stability, state security, or the coexistence of citizens. According to the law, the government has all the necessary powers to eliminate the causes of the disturbance and prevent the spread of its effects.
5,000 SOLDIERS DEPLOYED
Meanwhile, according to the Ombudsman’s Office, the number of displaced persons due to the clashes between the ELN and former FARC members in Catatumbo, part of the Norte de Santander management region, has exceeded 11,000 since January 16. The Colombian army has deployed five thousand soldiers to the Catatumbo region to ensure public safety and protect the civilian population.
The ELN and former FARC members had entered into a violent clash on January 16 to gain control over coca crops and drug trafficking corridors. Videos shared on social media showed moments when bodies were found in the streets and homes were raided.
DIALOGUE PROCESS WITH ELN SUSPENDED
President Petro announced last week that the dialogue process with the ELN was suspended due to the organization's "lack of any will for peace." Emphasizing that many civilians lost their lives in the ELN's attacks in the Catatumbo region of the country, Petro stated, "The crimes committed by the ELN in Catatumbo are war crimes. The dialogue process with this group has been suspended. The ELN has no will for peace." The peace negotiations, which resumed in November 2022, were terminated by the government following an attack by the ELN on a military base on September 17, 2024, which resulted in the deaths of 3 soldiers and injuries to 30 others. The parties met again on November 1, 2024, hosted by Venezuela, to restart dialogue talks.