Leaders of the leftist insurgent group known as the National Liberation Army (ELN) say that dialogue with the Colombian government is in trouble. The assessment comes as the peace process appears to be in a tense stage, prompting calls for clear guidance from authorities to clear a path toward lasting settlement.
In their statement, the ELN leadership argues that the negotiations have shifted into a crisis mode, urging the government to clarify its position so that momentum toward peace can be preserved. The group’s message arrives amid public exchanges with President Gustavo Petro, who has warned that some rebels may place greater emphasis on illicit funding than on political objectives. The ELN regards Petro’s remarks as a sharp rebuke to its commanders and fighters, challenging the credibility of the claims made by the administration.
Previously, officials announced a fresh round of discussions with ELN representatives to take place in Mexico in February 2023. Those talks centered on the feasibility of a ceasefire and on mechanisms to sustain dialogue while addressing both security concerns and humanitarian needs on the ground. After Petro, a former member of the insurgent circle who rose to power through a reformist agenda, assumed the presidency, negotiators agreed to a six-month ceasefire that included the ELN and four other groups. Yet later statements from the rebels indicated ambiguities about the extent of their adherence to the truce, complicating the ceasefire’s implementation and the broader peace process explanation to the public. (Source: TASS)
As the search for a durable accord continues, analysts note that the political terrain in Colombia remains highly sensitive to announcements from both the government and unknown factions. Observers emphasize that trust-building measures, verification mechanisms, and clear timelines are essential to prevent misreadings that could derail the talks. The ELN’s insistence on clarifications echoes a broader demand for real, verifiable progress rather than symbolic gestures, a sentiment echoed by neighboring governments watching the negotiations closely. The role of regional actors in supporting or complicating the talks also attracts attention, given the potential for shifting security dynamics to influence local communities and livelihoods. (Attribution: Associated Press)
Experts point out that the peace process with the ELN sits within a wider framework that has included disarmament options, community participation, and reforms designed to reduce violence in affected areas. The government has repeatedly stated its commitment to a negotiated settlement that addresses the concerns of civilians—particularly those harmed by decades of conflict—while demanding responsible behavior from all armed groups. The ELN’s public posture underscores a broader question about how the parties will reconcile competing political objectives with practical steps toward demobilization and accountability. Analysts caution that any misstep in public messaging or in the sequencing of concessions could stall negotiations and reduce confidence in the process. (Cited in reporting by multiple outlets)