Colombia's northeastern Catatumbo region has been engulfed in a wave of violence, resulting in at least 80 fatalities and displacing over 32,000 people. The conflict, intensifying since mid-January, involves rival armed factions, notably the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident groups from the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). In response, the Colombian government has deployed thousands of soldiers and issued a decree granting President Gustavo Petro emergency powers to restore order.
The emergency decree permits the president to impose curfews, restrict traffic, and take measures that would usually infringe on civil liberties without congressional consent. This move targets the rural Catatumbo area bordering Venezuela, where many residents have fled due to the violence. Displaced families, including mothers with young children, continue to arrive in the neighboring Norte de Santander region.
The ELN has denied targeting civilians, asserting its military actions are directed at former FARC rebels and their supporters. However, the Colombian government suspended peace talks with the ELN due to the increased violence. Arrest warrants for ELN leaders have been reissued by Colombia's attorney general's office. The United Nations chief, Antonio Guterres, has voiced concern over the deteriorating situation.
"an immediate cessation of acts of violence against the civilian population and for unhindered humanitarian access" – Antonio Guterres
The humanitarian crisis worsens as families flee with limited belongings and uncertain futures. Adib Fletcher highlights their plight:
"Families have fled with just one or two bags, and they have no certainty on when they can return to their homes" – Adib Fletcher
"As people find shelter in overcrowded areas, we are concerned about disease outbreaks and an increased strain on the local health system" – Adib Fletcher
Amnesty International has urged the Colombian government to protect civilians and human rights defenders amid the crisis.
"We call on the Colombian authorities to urgently take all necessary measures to protect civilians in the Catatumbo region, including human rights defenders" – Amnesty International
"growing threats of confinement, further killings, and enforced disappearances" – Amnesty International
In Catatumbo, the violence has left deep scars on those who remain. Zilenia Pana, a resident affected by the turmoil, expressed her heartache:
"the dead bodies was sad, painful. That breaks your soul, your heart" – Zilenia Pana
"That’s all we want. That’s all we ask from those people" – Zilenia Pana
Despite ongoing peace negotiations between the Petro government and the ELN, the path to stability remains fraught with challenges.
