3:57 am - February 12, 2025
Surge in Violence Displaces Thousands in Northeast Colombia
A rapidly escalating humanitarian crisis is unfolding in northeast Colombia, where over 32,000 people have been forced to flee their homes due to intensified clashes between militant factions. The violence, which surged last week in the Catatumbo region, has left tens of thousands displaced and hundreds more trapped in their homes, unable to escape the ongoing fighting. According to Iris Marín, Colombia’s ombudsman, the situation has reached critical levels, with 80 people reportedly killed in the clashes. The Catatumbo region, known for its strategic importance in drug production and trafficking, has become a battleground for rival armed groups, including the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the disbanded Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). Both groups, originally formed as left-wing guerrilla movements in the 1960s and 1970s, have increasingly turned to criminal activities such as drug trafficking, exacerbating the region’s instability.
Thousands Flock to Cúcuta for Shelter
The city of Cúcuta, located near the Venezuelan border, has become a major refuge for those escaping the violence. Nearly half of the displaced population—over 15,000 people—have arrived in Cúcuta in recent days, overwhelming local resources. In response, city officials have transformed the local football stadium into a large welcome center, where thousands of displaced individuals line up daily to receive essential supplies such as food, water, and clothing. Many are also finding temporary shelter in hotels and the homes of relatives, as local residents and authorities strive to provide support. Cúcuta’s mayor, Jorge Acevedo, has pledged to address the emergency with “total solidarity, respect, affection, and love” for the displaced, emphasizing the city’s commitment to helping those in need.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens as Fighting Intensifies
The violence in Catatumbo has created a dire humanitarian situation, with entire communities forced to abandon their homes and livelihoods. The region’s proximity to Venezuela has made it a key area for drug trafficking, further fueling the conflict between the ELN and FARC dissidents. Colombian President Gustavo Petro has suspended peace talks with the ELN, describing their actions as criminal, and announced plans to declare a state of internal unrest. However, the decree has yet to be finalized. Meanwhile, the Attorney General’s Office has reactivated arrest warrants for 31 ELN members involved in previous peace negotiations, citing the severity of recent criminal acts. Critics argue that Petro’s “total peace” initiative, aimed at reducing violence through negotiations, has failed to address the root causes of the conflict and has allowed armed groups to expand their control over remote areas.
Criticism Mounts Over Government’s Handling of the Crisis
The crisis in Catatumbo has sparked widespread criticism of the Colombian government’s approach to security and peace negotiations. Human rights organizations, including Human Rights Watch, have warned that the lack of effective security and justice policies has emboldened armed groups, allowing them to exert brutal control over vulnerable communities. Juanita Goebertus, Americas director at Human Rights Watch, called the situation a “wake-up call” for the Petro administration, urging it to address the growing insecurity and protect the rights of those affected by the violence. The resurgence of fighting has also raised questions about the viability of peace talks and the need for a more comprehensive strategy to address the complex challenges driving the conflict.
Regional Impact: Displacement Spreads Beyond Colombia’s Borders
The humanitarian crisis is not confined to Colombia; neighboring Venezuela has also been affected, with some displaced families crossing the border into the municipality of Jesús María Semprún. Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yván Gil announced a humanitarian operation to assist the arriving Colombian families, highlighting the regional dimensions of the crisis. Meanwhile, within Colombia, other cities such as Ocaña and Tibú have also received significant numbers of displaced people, with 11,503 and 5,300 individuals arriving respectively, according to the ombudsman’s office. The Colombian defense ministry reported that over 400 evacuations have been carried out in the Catatumbo region, and more than 5,000 soldiers and special forces have been deployed to Cúcuta to assist with the crisis.
A Call for Urgent Action and International Support
The unfolding crisis in Colombia underscores the urgent need for both domestic and international action to address the escalating violence and its humanitarian consequences. The situation in Catatumbo serves as a stark reminder of the enduring challenges facing Colombia, including the persistence of armed groups, the link between drug trafficking and violence, and the vulnerability of remote communities. As the displaced populations in Cúcuta and other cities continue to grow, there is an increasing demand for aid and support to ensure their basic needs are met and their rights are protected. For Colombia to achieve lasting peace, it will require not only a robust security strategy but also sustained efforts to address the social and economic inequalities that have fueled decades of conflict. The international community must also play a role in supporting Colombia’s efforts to restore stability and ensure justice for those affected by the violence.