The early months of 2024 in Colombia saw a resurgence of violence, particularly in the Catatumbo region due to ELN offensives against FARC dissidents, leading to over 80 civilian deaths. Despite a reported overall decrease in violence against civilians, many continue to suffer from forced recruitments, displacements, and exposure to violent acts by armed groups. The Petro administration has made strides in reducing state abuses but faces ongoing challenges in stabilizing the country.
Colombia faced a resurgence of violence as armed confrontations increased in the Catatumbo region during the early months of 2024. The National Liberation Army (ELN) targeted Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) dissidents, resulting in over 80 civilian fatalities and prompting a 90-day state of emergency. Although violence against civilians decreased by 8% overall due to President Gustavo Petro’s Total Peace plans, the uptick in conflicts highlighted ongoing risks for civilians caught in the crossfire.
Despite an overall decline in deadly encounters, civilians continued to suffer from pervasive violence, particularly as armed groups expanded their control. Reports indicate growing incidences of forced recruitment, confinement, and displacement among populations in conflict zones. Additionally, landmines and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) posed significant threats to civilians, exemplifying the brutal tactics employed by these factions to secure territorial offensives and maintain dominance.
In 2024, incidents of violence against civilians dropped by 20% compared to previous years, with nearly 1,500 recorded events. Contributory factors included intensified security operations in regions such as Cauca, along with advancements in regional peace negotiations. As a result, both Cauca and Nariño saw more substantial reductions in violence than the national trend, indicating localized improvements amid persistent challenges.
The Petro administration made strides in reducing abuses by security forces during operations involving civilians, with recorded incidents falling significantly. This decrease in police and military-related violence illustrates progress in stratifying the conflict’s dynamics, contrasting markedly with historical precedents from the early 2000s involving severe misconduct. However, the recent ELN offensive raised concerns regarding the credibility of peace discussions, complicating the situation further for civilians.
Throughout Petro’s tenure, 26.7 million Colombians were exposed to organized violence, marking a troubling 24% increase from earlier periods. While attacks targeting civilians decreased in 2024, the previous year saw unprecedented levels of such violence, with over 1,600 incidents recorded. The ongoing armed group activities continue to threaten civilians, underscoring a complex landscape where violence remains a critical issue, even amid efforts toward peace and stability.
In summary, while there has been a notable reduction in deadly violence against civilians in Colombia under President Gustavo Petro’s administration, widespread armed group activities continue to expose millions of individuals to violence. Improvements in security and an overall decline in lethal incidents indicate progress, but the tumultuous resurgence, particularly in regions like Catatumbo, reveals persistent threats. These dynamics reflect the ongoing challenges Colombia faces in achieving lasting peace and security for its civilian population.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
