Colombia Declares State of Internal Commotion amid Escalating Violence in Catatumbo
President Gustavo Petro has declared a state of internal commotion in response to the escalating violence in the Catatumbo region, a move that grants him extraordinary powers to address the crisis. This decision, however, must first be approved by his cabinet, Congress, and the Constitutional Court, raising questions about its necessity and potential implications for Colombia’s democratic institutions.
The declaration allows Petro to issue decrees with the force of law for up to 90 days, with the possibility of two extensions, bypassing the customary legislative process. This mechanism, designed for exceptional situations, is rooted in the public order and security crisis in Norte de Santander, which has been deteriorating for years. The Ombudsman’s Office had issued early warnings as early as August,with a consolidated report in November highlighting the imminent threat.
The situation in Catatumbo has been exacerbated by the growing presence of the ELN and FARC dissidents, who have taken advantage of the military’s reduced offensive operations under Petro’s total peace policy. This policy, aimed at fostering dialog with armed groups, has yet to yield tangible results. Instead, violence has surged, with over 80 deaths and more than 30,000 displaced people reported. Local authorities are struggling to manage the crisis, with morgues overflowing and bodies being transported in trucks or left on roadsides.
The conflict between the ELN and FARC dissidents is fueled by accusations of drug trafficking and ideological differences. The ELN claims the dissidents are involved in the drug trade, while the dissidents accuse the ELN of the same, all while continuing to frame their actions as part of a revolutionary struggle. The region’s illicit coca cultivation, which spanned over 43,000 hectares in 2023, underscores the economic drivers of the violence.
Petro’s declaration of internal commotion could lead to measures such as curfews, increased military presence, and restricted mobility.It also allows for the reallocation of resources to the military, which recently declared combat against the ELN.However, critics argue that the military already possesses the tools to address the crisis, pointing to past administrations where similar declarations led to the creation of special zones for judicial action.
One contentious issue is the Petro administration’s decision to suspend bombings in areas where minors are present, a policy aimed at protecting children recruited by armed groups. Though, the ombudsman’s latest report reveals that child recruitment increased in 2024, with 409 cases compared to 342 in 2023. Some experts suggest that resuming targeted bombings, while safeguarding minors, could be a viable option to the state of internal commotion.
As Petro navigates this crisis, he faces scrutiny from both the public and political sectors. With his term nearing its end and election campaigns underway, the declaration raises concerns about its timing and potential misuse. The Constitutional Court will play a crucial role in ensuring the measure’s legality,while local communities in Catatumbo continue to plead for assistance.
Key Points at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Declaration | State of internal commotion declared by President Gustavo Petro |
| Duration | 90 days,with two possible extensions |
| Key Measures | Curfews,military zones,restricted mobility,increased military resources |
| Affected Region | catatumbo,Norte de Santander |
| Casualties | Over 80 deaths,30,000+ displaced |
| Illicit Crops | 43,000+ hectares of coca cultivation in 2023 |
| Child Recruitment | 409 cases in 2024,up from 342 in 2023 |
The coming weeks will reveal whether this drastic measure can restore order in Catatumbo or further complicate Colombia’s path to peace. For now,the nation watches as its leaders grapple with a crisis that threatens both security and democracy.
Headline:
Colombia’s state of Internal Commotion: An expert Dialog on Petro’s Bid to Curb Catatumbo Violence
Introduction:
As Colombia grapples with escalating violence in the Catatumbo region, President Gustavo Petro has declared a state of internal commotion, aiming to rein in the mounting crisis. We invite you to join us as we speak with renowned security expert and professor at the Universidad del Rosario, Dr.María Herrera, to delve into the intricacies of this controversial declaration and its potential impacts on Colombia’s democratic institutions and peace processes.
1. Understanding the State of Internal Commotion
- Senior editor (SE): dr. Herrera, can you help our readers understand what exactly the state of internal commotion is and why President Petro invoked this measure?
Dr. María Herrera (MH): The state of internal commotion is a constitutional provision that grants the president remarkable powers to address public order and security crises. Petro invoked this measure due to the deteriorating situation in Catatumbo, where violence has surged, leading to civilian casualties and mass displacement.
2. The Crisis in catatumbo
- SE: What are the root causes of the violence in Catatumbo, and how did we reach this critical point?
MH: The violence in catatumbo is driven by multiple factors, including the presence of armed groups like the ELN and FARC dissidents, competition over drug trafficking routes and illicit crops, and historical socioeconomic issues. The reduced military offensive under Petro’s total peace policy has contributed to the escalation, as armed groups have taken advantage of the opportunity to strengthen thier positions.
3.The Role of armed Groups and Drug Trafficking
- SE: How are the ELN and FARC dissidents fueling the conflict, and what role does drug trafficking play in this dynamic?
MH: Both groups accuse each other of involvement in the drug trade, using it as a means to finance their operations and combat one another. Ideological differences also contribute to the conflict,as each group seeks to impose its vision on the region. The illicit coca cultivation, which spans tens of thousands of hectares, underscores the economic drivers of the violence.
4. Petro’s Declaration and Democratic Institutions
- SE: Critics argue that Petro’s declaration could have implications for Colombia’s democratic institutions. How do you see this playing out, and what safeguards are in place to protect democracy?
MH: The declaration allows Petro to issue decrees with the force of law, bypassing the legislative process. While this is intended for exceptional situations, there are concerns about the potential misuse of these powers. Though, the declaration must still be approved by Petro’s cabinet, Congress, and the Constitutional court, which serve as crucial safeguards to ensure the measure’s legality and protect democratic institutions.
5. Addressing the Crisis: Measures and Controversies
- SE: What specific measures does petro’s declaration enable, and what controversies have emerged regarding the administration’s handling of the crisis?
MH: The declaration allows for measures such as curfews, increased military presence, and restricted mobility. However, the decision to suspend bombings in areas where minors are present has proven contentious, with the Ombudsman’s Office reporting an increase in child recruitment by armed groups in 2024.
6. The Path Forward
- SE: As Petro navigates this crisis, what steps should be taken to address the root causes of violence in Catatumbo, and what role can the international community play in supporting Colombia’s peace processes?
MH: To genuinely address the crisis, a extensive approach is necessary, combining security measures with socioeconomic development initiatives and dialogues with armed groups. The international community can support this process by offering assistance in demining efforts, combating illicit crops, and promoting regional cooperation to tackle transnational organized crime.
Join us in the comments section to share your thoughts on this critical issue facing Colombia, and be sure to follow Dr. María Herrera’s work for continued insights into the complex dynamics shaping the country’s peace processes and security challenges.