ELN lifts kidnapping suspension amid stalled peace process

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
7 May 2024 04:51
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The National Liberation Army (ELN) in Colombia has announced the lifting of its suspension on kidnapping activities, citing the Colombian government's failure to uphold agreements from peace negotiations.

Colombian government rep. Vera Grabe and commander of the National Liberation Army (ELN) Pablo Beltran, exchange their signed ceasefire extension agreement in Havana, Cuba, February 6, 2024. (AP)

The National Liberation Army (ELN), a leftist rebel group in Colombia, announced on Monday that it would lift its suspension on kidnapping, citing the Colombian government's failure to fulfill agreements made during peace negotiations.

The group stated that its decision was prompted by delays in establishing a multi-donor fund to support the peace process aimed at ending Colombia's decades-long armed conflict.

"So far, the fund hasn't been established, and the government shows little will to advance in this field," the ELN said in a statement, adding, "Given the above, the ELN terminates its offer to unilaterally suspend economic detentions."

In turn, the government's peace delegation said in a statement of its own that "We hope the ELN keeps its commitment to Colombian society and the international community to put an end to any form of kidnapping."

Colombia guerrilla groups revoke strike

Back in February, the ELN decided to recall the restrictions it had imposed on civilian mobility after the government accused them of contravening the effectiveness of the temporary ceasefire.

Negotiations have been underway between the ELN and Colombian President Gustavo Petro's government to end the conflict, as well as the Estado Mayor Central (EMC) group, who had detached from the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) back in 2016 under a peace agreement.

Both the ELN and EMC were accused of violating the ceasefire during peace talks after the former called for an "indefinite armed strike" on Friday that halted civilian activity and mobility in the western region of Choco.

The ELN explained that the measure was to ensure the protection of civilians in the face of the paramilitary forces deployed in the area. However, on Tuesday, it recalled all of its measures and declared the end of the strike, thanking residents for cooperating and saying that no unfortunate incidents had occurred.

This comes after Interior Minister Luis Fernando Velasco called for army intervention, claiming "the ceasefire is not working there [Choco]."