Colombia: UN officials concerned by alleged ELN ceasefire violations

Event

On Thursday, November 9, the UN Verification Mission in Colombia expressed concern over violent incidents perpetrated by the National Liberation Army (ELN) that may constitute violations of the ceasefire between the armed group and the Colombian government.  In particular, UN officials are concerned by incidents reported in Catatumbo (Santander department), Cauca department, and Buenaventrua (Valle del Cauca department). Recent events in Chocó department have also given rise to fears of further violence, after the ELN reportedly killed an indigenous leader on October 24. The ELN subsequently acknowledged their responsibility for the killing and apologized; the killing was recognized by the National Coordination of the Monitoring and Verification Mechanism as a "violation of the rules and commitments" of the ceasefire.

Context

The ceasefire between the ELN and the government came into effect on October 1, 2017, and is set to last until January 12, 2018. The ELN, the country's last remaining rebel group following the demobilization of the FARC, is present in various areas of the country including Arauca, Boyacá, Norte de Santander, La Guajira, Cesar, Bolívar, Casanare, Santander, Chocó, Cauca, Nariño, and Putumayo departments, particularly in rural zones. The ELN and the Colombian government have been engaged in an armed conflict for 53 years. Violence continues to be a possibility throughout the ceasefire period.

Advice

Individuals in Colombia are advised to keep abreast of the situation.

Additionally, due to the presence of a number of armed groups - including organized crime groups, drug cartels, right-wing militias, and local gangs in addition to the ELN - many Western governments advise against travel to various regions of the country (particularly rural zones), with the notable exceptions of the northern Caribbean regions and central areas (including Bogotá).