Violent clashes in Colombia’s Catatumbo region spotlight the ongoing challenges to the peace process established by the 2016 Final Peace Agreement. The violence has resulted in numerous casualties and significant civilian displacement. UN officials condemned these acts and called for the cessation of violence against civilians while emphasizing the importance of humanitarian aid and the need for continued commitment to peace efforts.
The recent surge of violence in Colombia’s Catatumbo region underscores the persistent challenges to achieving lasting peace, nearly eight years post the 2016 Final Peace Agreement. Clashes between the National Liberation Army (ELN) and the armed group, EMBF, resulted in numerous casualties, including former combatants and social leaders, and forced thousands of civilians to flee their homes.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the violence and emphasized the need for the complete implementation of the Final Peace Agreement, which is crucial for the peace consolidation process. UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric noted the Secretary-General’s appeal for an immediate end to civilian-targeted violence and unobstructed humanitarian access.
Carlos Ruiz Massieu, the UN Special Representative for Colombia, criticized the assaults as detrimental to peace efforts and urged armed groups to halt any activities threatening civilians and community leaders. The UN Verification Mission has been active in evacuating vulnerable individuals, including ex-combatants, while additional UN agencies are providing aid to the displaced population.
The violence prompted Colombian President Gustavo Petro to suspend peace talks with the ELN and mobilize government resources to aid affected communities. Mr. Ruiz Massieu warned that such violence undermines trust and dialogue essential for the success of any peace initiative. The crisis revealed significant gaps in fulfilling the peace accord, particularly in areas concerning rural development and security guarantees.
Despite these hurdles, there have been notable successes in the peace process, particularly in programs assisting ex-combatants’ reintegration into society. Mr. Ruiz Massieu highlighted advancements in housing, community infrastructure, and entrepreneurial efforts during his visit to the Tierra Grata reintegration site. He underlined the importance of ongoing funding and cohesive efforts among government and local stakeholders.
Moreover, the Colombian Government, in collaboration with UN agencies, launched the 2025 Humanitarian Response Plan to address the urgent needs of millions of vulnerable citizens. It aims to provide essential support to approximately 9.1 million people, focusing on food security, health, and protection of the rights of marginalized groups. UN Resident Coordinator Mireia Villar reaffirmed the commitment to supporting communities in accordance with their priorities, emphasizing resilience as a guiding principle.
The violence in Catatumbo has brought attention to the fragility of Colombia’s peace process, which began with the signing of the Final Peace Agreement in 2016. This agreement aimed to end decades of armed conflict between the government and various guerrilla groups, primarily the FARC. However, ongoing violence from groups like the ELN and EMBF poses significant challenges to peace efforts. The UN and Colombian authorities are actively working to address these issues through humanitarian support and reintegration initiatives for former combatants.
The events in Catatumbo reveal the vulnerabilities in Colombia’s peace process, showcasing the urgent need for effective implementation of the 2016 Final Peace Agreement. Despite setbacks due to violence, there have been improvements in community reintegration programs. The launch of the 2025 Humanitarian Response Plan signifies a continued commitment to addressing the needs of Colombia’s most vulnerable populations as the nation works towards sustaining peace and stability.
Original Source: news.un.org
