Colombia Declares ‘State of Internal Commotion’ in Catatumbo
Colombians flee armed conflict in the Catatumbo region, 2025. X/ @VNColombia
January 24, 2025 Hour: 10:07 am
So far, clashes between irregular armed groups have forced the displacement of at least 36,000 people.
On Friday, the Colombian government declared a 90-day “State of Internal Commotion” to protect the population in 16 municipalities in the Norte de Santander department, including 11 municipalities in the Catatumbo region.
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This decision follows clashes between the guerrilla group National Liberation Army (ELN) and a dissident faction of the now-defunct Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC).
“There is an extraordinary disruption of public order in the Catatumbo region caused by armed clashes, threats, mass forced displacements, violations of the fundamental rights of the civilian population, disturbances to security, and damage to protected property and the environment,” the decree states.
“The ELN has escalated unpredictably to a magnitude that exceeds the ordinary capacity of the state. The ELN has intensified its attacks and hostilities against the civilian population and, in particular, against signatories of the final peace agreement in the Catatumbo region. These actions are being promoted and financed, among other things, with resources from illegal activities and economies in this area.”
The Constitution allows President Gustavo Petro to enact such measures in cases of severe public order disturbances that imminently threaten institutional stability, state security, or civic coexistence. Through the declaration of a “State of Internal Commotion,” his administration will have the necessary powers to address the causes of the disruption and prevent its effects from spreading.
The decree justifies this declaration based on the recovery of 41 bodies, although authorities estimate that between 60 and 80 people have been killed due to the violence. Between January 17 and 19, clashes between irregular armed groups forced the displacement of 36,000 people and confined 7,000 citizens in Tibu, Teorama, and San Calixto. Authorities have recorded that 700 people are fleeing daily to Venezuelan territory. Among those affected by the conflict are 14 peace signatories and 17 of their relatives.
“Despite the recovery and protection of more than 500 civilians threatened with death by the ELN, an indeterminate number of individuals remain in hiding, confined, and unable to evacuate from high-risk areas due to a lack of sufficient air resources to accomplish this objective,” the decree stated.
In the coming days, various ministries will issue decrees with sector-specific measures to assist the region’s population, support local authorities, and enhance the capacity to address this public order crisis.
teleSUR/ JF Source: EFE
