Colombia’s government has announced the suspension of peace talks with the rebel group ELN following a deadly attack on a military base. The attack, which took place in the Arauca department, left two soldiers dead and several others injured.
The Colombian President, Ivan Duque, condemned the attack and announced the suspension of peace talks with ELN. He stated that the government will not resume negotiations until the group ceases all criminal activities, including kidnappings and attacks on civilians and security forces.
The peace talks with ELN began in 2017 under the previous President, Juan Manuel Santos, but have been a source of contention since Duque took office last year. Duque has been vocal in his criticism of the rebel group and has demanded that they demonstrate a commitment to peace by abandoning violence.
The attack on the military base is the latest in a series of incidents that have strained relations between the government and ELN. The group has been involved in numerous attacks on oil infrastructure, kidnappings, and other criminal activities.
The suspension of peace talks is a significant development in Colombia’s efforts to achieve lasting peace after decades of conflict with rebel groups. The government’s decision to halt negotiations with ELN reflects a growing frustration with the group’s continued acts of violence.
It remains to be seen what the future holds for peace talks between the Colombian government and ELN. In the meantime, the people of Colombia continue to endure the consequences of ongoing conflict and instability in the region.
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Video “Colombia suspends peace talks with ELN rebels after deadly attack on military base” was uploaded on 09/19/2024 to Youtube Channel Al Jazeera English