Given these circumstances and the ELN’s constant reluctance, the government has asked the guerrillas to “clarify to Colombian society whether or not they have an unequivocal intention to reach peace; whether or not they want to unfreeze the work of the dialogue table; whether or not they want to renew the ceasefire.”
In a statement, the government criticized the fact that, “beyond specific events and complaints about alleged non-compliance,” the ELN has not responded “whether it is willing or not to move towards peace” or only sees the peace process as “an opportunity for its military strengthening.”
Thousands of voices call for an extension
In recent days, many voices and organizations have asked both parties to commit to an extension that will bring peace to the territories.
Last month, in an interview with EFE, the special representative of the UN Secretary General in Colombia, Carlos Ruiz Massieu, said: “We have seen many benefits from the ceasefire between the ELN and the government and it would be beneficial if this ceasefire were extended, prolonged and hopefully also expanded because it has room for expansion.”
For its part, the Humanitarian Coordinator, which brings together a hundred social organizations, said that in the first half of 2024 there were 605 violent events (328 possible violations of the ceasefire and 277 hostile actions), but despite this they called for “promoting a multilateral ceasefire and cessation of hostilities to safeguard life.”
“We consider it essential to continue and advance dialogue and negotiations with these groups, and to explore and open dialogue with other armed groups and structures,” said this group of organizations.
“We stand in solidarity with the communities and peoples who, from different parts of the country, are demanding a future without violence and with transformations, for which the resumption of dialogue, the continuation of the ceasefire, the participation of society, the implementation of signed agreements and the commitment of the parties not to leave the table are essential,” the Government delegation responded to this circumstance.
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