Split Among Colombia Guerrillas Strikes Blow To Peace Talks
Sumaira FH Published April 17, 2024 | 12:20 AM
Bogotá, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 17th Apr, 2024) A top rebel commander has pulled out of Colombia's peace negotiations amid a split in one of the most powerful guerrilla groups in the country, the government said Tuesday.
The divisions within the EMC -- which broke away from the FARC when it signed a 2016 peace deal -- are the latest obstacle to President Gustavo Petro's efforts to negotiate with the country's remaining armed groups.
The guerrilla leader known by the alias Ivan Mordisco "is off the table.... We do not know where he is," the head of the government delegation in the talks, Camilo Gonzalez, said in a statement.
Talks with the Central General Staff (EMC) have been plagued by multiple setbacks since they got underway in October 2023.
In March, the government suspended a ceasefire with the EMC in three departments in the southwest of the country after the group violated the truce on multiple occasions, leading to an increase in fighting in the region.
The government has also accused the EMC of using the ceasefire to expand its territory and increase recruitment efforts.
Last week, an EMC negotiator and commander, Andrey Avendano, told local media the group was facing "a big division" over differing views on "the political moment in the country."
"There is no large-scale confrontation or difficulty, but some observations have been made," he said.
The government said it would continue dialogue with Avendano, who represents 50 percent of EMC's fighters.
The guerrilla group counts among 3,500 members and is mainly financed through narcotrafficking, according to military intelligence statements.
Since his election in 2022, leftist Petro has sought to put an end to six decades of conflict between the country's security forces, guerrillas, right-wing paramilitaries and drug gangs.
Recent Stories
Wembanyama in France: NBA Spurs to play Pacers in Paris in January
Russian missile kills two in Ukraine's Odesa: governor
Dutch Embassy celebrates King Willem-Alexander's birthday
Need of concrete steps stressed for safe, nutritious milk availability
Scotland's leader Yousaf quits after a year
Services of GDA Pakistan China Friendship Hospital launched
Mining giants Vale, BHP propose $25 bn settlement over Brazil dam collapse
Georgia ruling party stages mass rally to counter protests
Bayern ready for 'extraordinary' Bellingham, says Tuchel
PTI leaders get interim bail
Tennis: ATP/WTA Madrid Open results - 2nd update
French actor Depardieu released after sexual assault questioning
More Stories From World
-
Tesla wins key China security clearance during Musk visit
7 minutes ago -
Football: South African Premiership table
7 minutes ago -
Tennis: ATP/WTA Madrid Open results - 3rd update
7 minutes ago -
Football: South African Premiership result
7 minutes ago -
Nadal keeps his clay dream alive as he battles past Cachin
17 minutes ago -
Campaigning EU chief defends record during debate
17 minutes ago
-
US, Mexican presidents order 'concrete' border steps: statement
27 minutes ago -
Global pandemic agreement talks in race against time
27 minutes ago -
Gaza protesters defy Columbia deadline to leave campus
2 hours ago -
Russian missile kills two in Ukraine's Odesa: governor
3 hours ago -
Scotland's leader Yousaf quits after a year
3 hours ago -
Mining giants Vale, BHP propose $25 bn settlement over Brazil dam collapse
3 hours ago