Colombian President Gustavo Petro announced on Monday his intention to declare a state of emergency in response to the recent surge of guerrilla attacks in the northeast region of the country. These attacks have resulted in the deaths of dozens of individuals and forced thousands to flee their homes.
The state of emergency, termed as a 'state of internal commotion,' will grant the executive branch the authority to enact specific legislation without the need for congressional approval for a period of three months. However, this measure can be challenged and annulled by Colombia's constitutional court.
President Petro expressed his hope for judicial support in this decision, emphasizing that the emergency measure does not permit the suspension of congress or the elimination of civil rights.
Earlier on Monday, President Petro issued a warning that the Colombian military would take offensive actions against the National Liberation Army (ELN) following a series of attacks in the Catatumbo region, resulting in the loss of at least 80 lives.
Despite initiating peace talks with the ELN in 2022, negotiations have stalled due to disagreements over disarmament procedures and economic reforms. The ELN's continued kidnappings and extortion activities have further strained the peace process.
Following the recent escalation of violence in Catatumbo, President Petro suspended negotiations with the ELN, citing the group's targeting of civilians and former rebel fighters who had demobilized under the 2016 peace deal with the government.
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported that the violence in Catatumbo has displaced over 18,000 individuals, leading to a growing humanitarian crisis in the region.
Amid the turmoil, residents like Sandra Tijaro have been forced to flee their homes, seeking refuge in shelters in nearby cities. Tijaro emphasized the impact of the conflict on rural communities, urging armed groups to consider the well-being of civilians caught in the crossfire.
The 2016 peace agreement between the Colombian government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, which demobilized 11,000 fighters, has left a power vacuum in certain regions, allowing smaller rebel factions to exploit the situation and perpetuate violence against civilians.
As the situation unfolds, the Colombian government faces the challenge of restoring peace and stability in the face of escalating violence and displacement in the country's northeastern region.
