Colombia: Colombian bishops ask the ELN and dissidents to put an end to clashes in Catatumbo

The bishops of Colombia asked the armed groups fighting in Catatumbo to put an end to the hostilities, which are leaving 80 dead and some 11,000 displaced, generating one of the largest humanitarian crises in the north of the country.

The ombudsman, Iris Marín Ortiz, pointed out yesterday that the clashes between the National Liberation Army (ELN) and the FARC dissidents in this part of the department of Norte de Santander have caused the displacement of “at least 11,000 people” in four days, who have left their homes to avoid being victims of crossfire.

“Kidnappings and general intimidation against the civilian population continue,” he denounced. There are also attacks “on civilians who are accused of collaborating with one group or the other, for the simple fact of being family members or close people.”

The ombudsman denounced that among the dead, in addition to combatants, there are social leaders and signatories of the 2016 peace agreement, signed between the State and the then FARC.

In your today’s statementthe Episcopal Conference of Colombia expressed its pain and concern over events that continue to violate fundamental human rights and exacerbate “the suffering of children, women and people in a state of defenselessness, tearing the social and human fabric, and opening new wounds to the nation. ”.

The prelates also expressed their solidarity with “the victims of this absurd violence” and the thousands of displaced people who now “live under the shadow of insecurity and fear.” “We support the bishops of the dioceses of Tibú, Ocaña and Cúcuta, especially affected by this drama,” they added.

For this reason, they asked “the armed actors to immediately cease hostilities and respect international humanitarian law, guaranteeing the protection of communities and respect for human life.” They also called on the government and public institutions “to resume dialogue with determination and to continue the implementation of the peace agreements.”

In their statement, the bishops renewed the commitment of the Catholic Church to remain in the affected areas to provide humanitarian, psychosocial and spiritual support to the victims.

“In the midst of pain and uncertainty, we affirm that peace is possible,” they stated, and for this reason they invited Colombians to join the day of prayer that will take place in all churches on Sunday, January 26.

For his part, President Gustavo Petro decreed a state of internal commotion and economic emergency in an attempt to regain control of Catatumbo.