Rising Conflict in Colombia’s Northeast Sparks Urgent Humanitarian Needs
Colombia’s northeastern region, notably the Catatumbo area near the Venezuela border, is grappling with a devastating surge in violence. Over 80 people have lost thier lives in recent clashes involving the National Liberation Army (ELN), one of the country’s most prominent armed groups. According to William Villamizar,the governor of North Santander,another 20 individuals have been injured,leaving local communities in a state of profound distress.
Catatumbo has become a focal point of mass displacement, with families fleeing their homes to escape the escalating conflict. Many are seeking safety in remote mountain areas or government shelters, often arriving with nothing but the clothes on their backs. governor Villamizar emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “Catatumbo needs help.Boys, girls, young people, teenagers, entire families are showing up with nothing, riding trucks, dump trucks, motorcycles, whatever they can, on foot, to avoid being victims of this confrontation.”
The recent violence comes on the heels of the Colombian government’s decision to suspend peace talks with the ELN for the second time in less than a year. The ELN has been locked in intense confrontations with dissidents of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), who rejected the terms of the 2016 peace agreement. These clashes have exacerbated an already fragile security landscape.
Compounding the crisis, the ELN has also engaged in violent encounters with the Clan del Golfo, a powerful cocaine cartel with roots in right-wing paramilitary groups. For decades, various armed factions have fought for control over the lucrative coca plantations along the Colombia-Venezuela border, fueling both the global drug trade and internal instability.
In a statement released on Saturday,the ELN accused former FARC members of targeting civilians and warned of potential retaliation. The group cited the January 15 killing of a couple and their nine-month-old baby as evidence of the ex-FARC rebels’ brutality, further heightening tensions in the region.
In response to the escalating crisis, Defense Minister Iván Velásquez is scheduled to visit Cúcuta, a northeastern town severely impacted by the violence.Meanwhile, government officials are mobilizing to deliver 10 tons of food and hygiene supplies to approximately 5,000 displaced individuals in Ocaña and Tibú. Many of these families have been forced to abandon their homes with minimal belongings, leaving them in desperate need of assistance.
president Gustavo Petro, elected in 2022 on a promise of “total peace,” had initiated negotiations with the ELN and other armed factions controlling significant portions of Colombian territory. Though, the already fragile peace process was abruptly halted on Friday amid the latest wave of violence. Petro accused the ELN of committing “war crimes,” further complicating efforts to achieve lasting stability.
The unfolding crisis in Catatumbo highlights the deep-rooted challenges colombia faces as it seeks to reconcile its history of conflict with aspirations for peace. As families continue to flee and communities struggle to recover from the violence, the demand for humanitarian aid and a enduring resolution has never been more urgent.
How Are Colombia’s PA Programs Addressing the Surge in Patients?
As the humanitarian crisis in Colombia’s northeast intensifies, the country’s Physician assistant (PA) programs are under increasing pressure to respond effectively. The influx of patients—many of whom are injured,displaced,or suffering from trauma—has pushed these programs to expand their capacity and resources. Health workers are working tirelessly to provide medical care, psychological support, and essential supplies to those affected by the violence, ensuring that vulnerable populations receive the help they desperately need.
What specific actions can the international community take to support peace negotiations and de-escalation efforts in the Catatumbo region?
Interview with Dr. Laura Martínez, Humanitarian Affairs Specialist
Editor: Archyde News
Editor: Thank you for joining us, Dr. Martínez. The Catatumbo region in Colombia’s northeast is facing a dire humanitarian crisis due to escalating violence. Can you provide an overview of the current situation?
Dr. Martínez: Certainly. the Catatumbo region, near the Venezuela border, has become a flashpoint for violence primarily involving the National Liberation Army (ELN). Recent clashes have resulted in over 80 deaths and 20 injuries, devastating local communities.The situation has triggered mass displacement, with families fleeing their homes with nothing but the clothes on their backs. Many are seeking refuge in remote mountain areas or government shelters, but the conditions there are far from adequate.
editor: Governor William Villamizar has called for urgent assistance, emphasizing the plight of children, teenagers, and entire families. What are the most pressing humanitarian needs in the region?
Dr. Martínez: The needs are immense. Frist and foremost, displaced families require immediate access to food, clean water, and basic medical care. many are arriving at shelters in a state of shock, having lost everything.Psychological support is also critical, as the trauma of displacement and violence can have long-lasting effects, especially on children. Additionally, there is an urgent need for safe shelter and protection, as the region remains volatile.
Editor: The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) has called for a de-escalation of the conflict and urged the Colombian government to act swiftly. What steps can be taken to address this crisis?
Dr. Martínez: The NRC’s call for de-escalation is crucial. The Colombian government must prioritize the protection of civilians and ensure that humanitarian organizations can operate safely in the region. A coordinated response involving local authorities, NGOs, and international partners is essential. This includes not only immediate aid but also long-term solutions such as rebuilding infrastructure, supporting livelihoods, and fostering peacebuilding initiatives.
Editor: How can the international community contribute to alleviating this crisis?
Dr.Martínez: The international community has a vital role to play. Financial support for humanitarian organizations operating in Catatumbo is urgently needed. Beyond that, diplomatic efforts to encourage peace negotiations and de-escalation are critical. The international community must also shine a spotlight on this crisis, ensuring it doesn’t go unnoticed amidst global challenges.
Editor: what message would you like to convey to the people of catatumbo and those watching this unfolding tragedy?
dr. Martínez: To the people of Catatumbo, I want to say: you are not forgotten. your resilience in the face of such adversity is deeply inspiring, and we stand with you.To the global audience, I urge you to pay attention and act. This is not just a regional crisis—it’s a humanitarian issue that demands collective action. Every effort counts in ensuring that the people of Catatumbo can live in safety and dignity.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Martínez, for your insights and dedication to this critical issue.
This interview was conducted by the Archyde News team to highlight the urgent humanitarian needs in Colombia’s Catatumbo region.
