Huila, Colombia on Edge as Rival Armed Groups Vying for Control
Huila, Colombia – Tension is brewing in the rural areas of Huila province as fears of an impending turf war between two disbanded guerrilla factions grips local communities. The Colombian government has entered peace negotiations with the "Calarcá Córdoba" dissidents, a move that has seemingly angered another faction, the dissidents led by "Iván Mordisco," prompting fears of escalating violence.
The Mordisco group, known for their aggressive tactics, is said to be preparing to enter areas of Huila currently held by the Calarcá Córdoba dissidents, who are benefiting from the government’s "Total Peace" initiative. This program seeks to end decades of conflict by integrating former guerrilla members into society.
As the situation grows increasingly precarious, residents are bearing the brunt of escalating tension. WhatsApp messages attributed to the Calarcá Córdoba dissidents, circulating among terrified locals, warn: "Do not travel in cars or motorcycles after 6 in the evening until 6 in the morning the next day. Each man (resident) carries his identity document and card; We remember that every farmer must be responsible for the workers under his care."
This chilling message echoes a similar campaign of fear last year when the same dissidents forcibly pushed back against the presence of the Second Marquetalia group, led by "Iván Márquez," and ELN guerrillas, resorting to selective killings, threats, and forced displacement.
Farmers and merchants in the region have expressed their deep anxiety over the deteriorating situation, but their pleas for help from local authorities reportedly went unanswered in the past. Their silence, coupled with the threat of escalating violence, paints a bleak picture for the future of the region.
Experts warn that a full-blown conflict between the Mordisco group and the Calarcá Córdoba dissidents would be devastating for the north of Huila. They urge the Colombian government to intervene decisively, not only to prevent further violence but also to implement a comprehensive plan for social and economic recovery, providing much-needed support to those caught in the crossfire.
Without a proactive approach, residents fear that the problems plaguing the region – murder, kidnapping, extortion, and the ever-present threat of violence – will continue to cripple their lives and livelihoods.
## Rival Armed Groups Spark fear in Colombia’s Huila Province: Will “Total Peace” Initiative backfire?
**Huila, Colombia** – A fragile peace hangs in the balance in Colombia’s Huila province, where simmering tensions between rival dissident guerrilla groups threaten to erupt into violence, jeopardizing the government’s enterprising peace efforts. The situation highlights a complex dilemma for Bogotá: how to disarm and reintegrate former combatants while preventing power vacuums that allow new factions to emerge.
To shed light on the escalating situation in Huila, we spoke with two leading experts on Colombian conflict and peacebuilding: **Dr. Catalina Rodríguez**, a senior analyst at the International Crisis Group, and **Dr.Eduardo Pizarro Leongómez**,a political scientist and former member of the Colombian peace negotiations with the FARC.
**Rise of the Dissidents: A New Threat to Peace?**
**World Today News:** Dr. Rodríguez, could you explain the origin of these dissident groups and their relationship with the former FARC guerrillas?
**Dr.Catalina Rodríguez:** Following the 2016 peace agreement with the FARC, a meaningful portion of the guerrilla force demobilized. However, a number of dissident factions refused to lay down their arms. These splinter groups, including the Calarcá Córdoba and Mordisco factions, emerged from various internal disputes within the FARC and oppose the peace process.
**World Today News:** Why is the Mordisco group specifically targeting the Calarcá Córdoba dissidents?
**Dr. Eduardo Pizarro Leongómez:** The Mordisco group is known for its ambition and territorial control goals. Thay view the Calarcá Córdoba faction as an obstacle to their expansion in Huila. The government’s peace negotiations with Calarcá Córdoba, offering them potential benefits from the “Total Peace” initiative, further fuels Mordisco’s resentment and desire to eliminate their rivals.
“The Mordisco group is known for fulfilling threats”
**The Stakes of Escalation: Humanitarian Consequences and Economic Ruin**
**World Today News:** What are the potential consequences of a full-blown conflict between these groups for the people of Huila?
**Dr. Pizarro Leongómez:** The impact would be devastating. We’ve already seen how these groups operate – through threats,selective killings,forced displacement,and kidnappings.
**dr. Rodríguez:** The Mordisco group is known for fulfilling threats. Their tactics disrupt daily life, cripple the local economy, and sow fear among the population. Farmers can’t tend their land, businesses shut down, and communities live in constant fear.
**Seeking Peace Amid Uncertainty: Is “Total Peace” Doomed?**
**World today News:** How can the Colombian government de-escalate the situation and prevent further violence?
**Dr. Rodríguez:** This situation demands a multi-pronged approach. The government needs to demonstrate a clear commitment to upholding security in Huila, ensuring the protection of civilians.
**Dr. Pizarro Leongómez:** equally significant is engaging in direct dialogue with both factions, even the Mordisco group.Understanding their grievances and exploring avenues for peaceful resolution, even if it’s challenging, is a necessity.
**World Today News:** What lessons can be learned from other peace processes in Colombia, such as the FARC demobilization?
**Dr. Rodríguez:** The key takeaway is that a peace process is not a one-time event, but a long-term commitment. This requires sustained investment in social and economic advancement, addressing the root causes of conflict. Failing to do so creates a vacuum that can be filled by groups like Mordisco.
**A Call for Action: Ending the Cycle of Violence**
The situation in Huila province underscores the fragility of peace in Colombia and the complexities of dismantling armed groups. The Colombian government faces a critical crossroads, requiring decisive action to prevent further bloodshed while together pursuing enduring peacebuilding initiatives.
**What do you think is the solution to this intractable conflict?** Share your thoughts in the comments below.
**Further Reading:**
* Peacebuilding in Colombia: Lessons Learned
* Colombia’s Ex-FARC Rebels: Where are They Now?
* The ‘Total Peace’ Initiative: A Comprehensive Guide