US EditionColombia’s ELN rebels declare a unilateral ceasefire ahead of key congressional elections
The National Liberation Army (ELN) announced a ceasefire to halt attacks on military and election officials, aiming to protect voters amid violence affecting 11% of municipalities, watchdog said.
- On Monday, the National Liberation Army declared a unilateral ceasefire ahead of March 8, 2026, Colombia's congressional elections to fill more than 300 seats.
- Longstanding accusations against the ELN include attacking politicians and controlling municipal governments to capture funds, amid the breakdown of peace talks last year after attacks displaced over 50,000 people.
- Earlier this month, Indigenous Sen. Aida Quilcue was kidnapped in southwest Cauca and released unharmed; two bodyguards of Sen. Jairo Castellanos were killed when ELN fired on his caravan, and last year, conservative presidential hopeful Miguel Uribe was shot and died two months later.
- The group said it will stop attacks on military and electoral authorities to allow people to vote `in liberty`, while President Gustavo Petro faces a critical test to secure a majority for the Historical Pact.
- The Movement for Electoral Observation said earlier this month that 11% of municipalities face an `extreme risk` of election violence, while the ELN denied financing campaigns `as drug traffickers do`.
22 Articles
22 Articles
The "cease to fire unilaterally" was announced by the ELN through a statement published on their social networks.The guerrillas usually order temporary truces during the electoral periods and on the holidays of Christmas and the end of the year.
Important Electoral Moment in Colombia’s History
In 12 days on Sunday 8 March 2026, Colombia will hold Congressional Elections. There are considerable concerns for the safety of voters and because of the pressure that armed groups could bring to bear on voters in areas of complex conflict. As a result, for the second time in its history, the European Union are deploying an extensive Election Observation Mission to Colombia to monitor the Congressional (8 March) and Presidential elections ( …
The illegal armed group National Liberation Army (ELN) announced a unilateral ceasefire in the context of the legislative elections and presidential consultations scheduled for March 8, 2026. This declaration is part of its historical stance of suspending armed actions during electoral processes, as has occurred in previous elections. The insurgent organization explained that with this measure it seeks to facilitate the population's right to vot…
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