Colombia’s last-standing rebel group, the ELN, received help demobilizing FARC guerrillas to assume control over territory previously controlled by both, locals told the Organization of American States (OAS).
According to the OAS, the ELN’s benefit from the FARC’s demobilization has been evident, particularly in provinces like Antioquia and Norte de Santander where the groups shared power.
Colombia’s state forces have been accused being “slow” and “inefficient” in entering some of these long-neglected territories.
Locals told international observers that it seemed the ELN’s consolidation of power in the regions of Bajo Cauca (Antioquia) and Catatumbo (Norte de Santander) was agreed between the two groups.
Colombia’s ELN rebels admit taking over abandoned FARC territory
The OAS made the observations in the period between August 2016 and January 2017, a period of great uncertainty because of a referendum that temporarily suspended the peace process.
Timeline
August 1, 2016 – OAS observation period begins
August 29, 2016 – Bilateral ceasefire with FARC takes effect
October 1, 2016 – Peace process takes effect
October 2, 2016 – Peace process suspended
December 1, 2017 – Peace process resumed
January 31, 2017 – OAS observation period ends
The FARC began demobilizing in March and became a political party in August while the ELN began peace talks with the government in February.
The communities argue that there was a scenario of facilitation on the part of the FARC for the arrival of other structures to their former zones of influence. In this scenario, the changes in control taking place calmly and with processes that seem articulated between FARC and ELN, as it is perceived in Catatumbo and Bajo Cauca.
Organization of American States
Also in other regions, the FARC allegedly facilitated the transfer of power with other groups.
In some regions, however, the demobilization resulted in “power vacuums that are being filled by other actors, producing disputes and attacks against leaders and human rights defenders.”
Colombia’s ELN rebels and paramilitary heirs scramble to occupy FARC territory
The OAS expressed its support for the ongoing peace talks and bilateral ceasefire with the ELN, but urged the government to avoid further delays in the troubled peace process.
The OAS considers it important to avoid excessive delays in the execution of the peace agreement, taking into account that they could cause mistrust and uncertainty in the affected communities and the different involved actors.
Organization of American States
The OAS will be monitoring Colombia’s peace process with the FARC together with the United Nations until the end of 2018.
