Colombia: ELN activity reported in Vichada department

Event

Members of the ELN (Ejército de Liberación Nacional) guerrilla group have reportedly been active in Cumaribo (Vichada department), with reports of extortion and narcotrafficking in the area as of early April. In addition, the ELN has allegedly been recruiting members of the local community to join the group. An increased military presence is likely in the coming weeks in response to ELN activities.

Context

Cumaribo was a former stronghold of the FARC (Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia). The ELN - the country's last remaining rebel group following the demobilization of the FARC - is believed to have some 2000 fighters spread out over the departments of Nariño, Arauca, Boyacá, Norte de Santander, La Guajira, Cesar, Bolívar, Casanare, Santander, Chocó, Cauca, Vichada, and Putumayo, particularly in rural zones. However, according to the Defense Ministry, nearly 200 ELN militants have been “neutralized” since the beginning of the year.

As a reminder, peace talks between the Colombian government and the ELN are ongoing in Quito (Ecuador). Regardless, continued attacks by the ELN and anti-ELN operations by the Colombian security forces are likely in the absence of a bilateral ceasefire, one of the early goals of the resumed talks. Even if a ceasefire is implemented, violence will likely continue to some extent, as was the case during a 101-day bilateral ceasefire in place from October 2017 to January 2018. Furthermore, violence carried out by the country’s various other armed groups (drug cartels, right-wing militias, local gangs, etc.) would continue as normal.

Advice

Individuals in Colombia are advised to keep abreast of the situation. Due to the presence of a number of armed groups, some Western governments advise against travel to various regions of the country, including Vichada department.