Colombia’s second-largest rebel force, the leftist National Liberation Army (ELN), called a unilateral ceasefire as Colombians is set for a referendum on a peace with the larger FARC group.
“We are prepared to stop ELN offensive actions during this time (ahead of) the referendum” to make participation on October 2 easier for voters, Commander “Pablo Beltran” said Sunday on the official radio of the smaller force.
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The government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) concluded a final peace accord on August 24 to end a 52-year war.
The conflict, which has drawn in various left- and right-wing rebel groups as well as criminal gangs over the decades, has killed 265,000 people and left 45,000 missing.
A 200-year history lesson to understand Colombia’s 52-year conflict
After nearly four years of peace talks, the Colombian people will have the final say when they vote on the question: “Do you support the final accord to end the conflict and build a stable and lasting peace?”
For the deal to be ratified, the “Yes” camp must win and also gather at least 4.4 million votes — 13% of the electorate.
If the deal passes, the FARC — the country’s largest rebel group — have pledged to disarm and convert themselves into a political party.
How Colombia’s peace talks began and came to a successful end
The government has yet to begin planned peace talks with the Cuban-inspired ELN.
President Juan Manuel Santos has said the talks with the ELN will not start until it stops kidnappings.
