Cúcuta, Colombia faces a severe humanitarian crisis as over 15,000 refugees arrive in just four days due to escalating violence between rival rebel factions. President Petro is set to declare an economic emergency, while local authorities struggle to provide aid. The crisis has resulted in 80 deaths and 32,000 displaced, highlighting the dire conditions faced by many fleeing the conflict.
Colombia’s border city of Cúcuta is facing an unprecedented humanitarian crisis as thousands flee violent clashes between rival rebel groups. Since the fighting erupted in northeastern Colombia last Friday, over 15,000 displaced individuals have arrived in just four days, according to Mayor Jorge Acevedo. The violence has resulted in at least 80 deaths and 32,000 people displaced as the ELN guerrilla group escalates its conflict against dissident factions in a major cocaine trafficking area.
Civilians are increasingly becoming targets in this conflict, with reports indicating that armed groups are conducting door-to-door searches for sympathizers. Iris Marín Ortiz, the country’s ombudsman, noted that indiscriminate attacks are being launched against both combatants and civilians accused of affiliations with rival factions. In parallel, at least 20 individuals have been killed in ongoing battles among drug trafficking factions elsewhere in the country.
In response to the escalating crisis, President Gustavo Petro has announced intentions to declare a state of “economic emergency” to allocate resources for the influx of refugees. Additionally, he plans to declare a state of internal unrest, historically reserved for significant civil disruptions. The current violence marks one of the gravest situations Colombia has faced in recent years, overwhelming local authorities.
Cúcuta’s officials, including Secretary of Post-Conflict Leandro Ugarte, describe the arrival of displaced individuals as a “tsunami of people”, highlighting the dire conditions many are in. Local authorities are preparing to provide treatment and shelter, with the city’s football stadium designated as a temporary refuge due to its capacity. The Catatumbo region has a history of violence linked to drug production, yet this current unrest exceeds previous upheavals.
The humanitarian crisis has grave implications, with about 46,000 children now out of school and families struggling to bury loved ones due to the violence. A 2016 peace accord with the Farc had aimed to end decades of conflict, but power vacuums have led to the rise of new, ruthless groups. Negotiations with the ELN have broken down as authorities reactivated arrest warrants for major commanders, further complicating the situation.
Experts express concern that the deterioration of Colombia’s conflict poses risks for a renewed cycle of violence, as emphasized by Elizabeth Dickinson from Crisis Group. Despite President Petro’s previous efforts to negotiate peace, the failure of talks may undermine his approach. Military forces have been deployed in attempts to establish order, but rival groups continue to clash, raising questions about the effectiveness of this intervention.
The current crisis in Colombia stems from a resurgence of violence among rebel factions, specifically the ELN and the dissident 33rd Front, following a fragile peace process that began with a 2016 agreement with the Farc. The region, particularly Catatumbo, is a significant cocaine production area, which has led to ongoing conflicts over territory and control. This recent surge in violence has led to mass displacement and humanitarian crises, placing immense pressure on local resources and international aid efforts.
The situation in Cúcuta illustrates the acute humanitarian crisis stemming from escalating violence in Colombia, marked by high displacement and fatalities. President Petro’s declaration of an economic emergency and the military’s involvement signal a desperate attempt to restore order. However, the systematic targeting of civilians and the breakdown of peace talks highlight the urgency of addressing the underlying issues exacerbating the conflict and ensuring humanitarian assistance reaches those in need.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
