Bogotá, Colombia – In a swift response to a deadly attack, the Colombian government announced the suspension of a ceasefire agreement with a dissident faction of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC).
The bilateral ceasefire, previously in effect for the departments of Nariño, Cauca, and Valle del Cauca, was terminated following a violent incident in Cauca on Saturday. The attack, allegedly carried out by former FARC members, resulted in the death of Carmelita Yule Pavi and injuries to others within the indigenous community.
President Gustavo Petro expressed his disapproval of the Central High Command’s (EMC) actions. He emphasized the group’s lack of commitment to peace efforts, acknowledging cooperation from some EMC factions in other regions but highlighting the Cauca group’s violation of the ceasefire.
“This attack is a horrific crime against humanity and will be treated accordingly,” declared Petro in a statement.
The October 2023 ceasefire agreement aimed to bring stability to the region. However, the recent violence has prompted the government to re-evaluate its approach towards dissident groups.
This decision underscores the challenges Colombia faces in securing lasting peace after decades of conflict with insurgent groups. Despite rising tensions, the Colombian government remains committed to upholding the law and ensuring the safety of its citizens.