President Gustavo Petro has declared a state of emergency in Catatumbo, but the situation in Colombia’s drug-trafficking region remains unstable. Clashes between the ELN and dissident FARC groups have led to a serious humanitarian crisis. Venezuela’s proposal for a binational economic zone could also be key to stabilizing the area.
By Gaia Ciceri
Drug trafficking and armed conflicts
The Catatumbo region, located in northeastern Colombia along the Venezuelan border, is facing another humanitarian crisis that has reached dramatic proportions. Since January 16, 2025, violent conflicts between the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident groups of the former Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) have caused over 80 deaths and displaced 50,000 people[1]. These events highlight the failure of President Gustavo Petro’s peace efforts, which have been slowed down by territorial conflicts and drug trafficking interests. Civilians are in an extremely fragile situation, forced to seek refuge in Venezuela or live in desperate conditions in local shelters[2].
Catatumbo, with over 15% of Colombia’s coca plantations, is a strategic base for drug trafficking due to its location near the Venezuelan border. Cocaine production and distribution are the main sources of funding for armed groups, who use the proceeds to recruit fighters, buy weapons, and strengthen territorial control. The fight to dominate these activities has provoked a cycle of uncontrollable violence. Civilians, often accused of collaborating with one faction or another, are subjected to threats, kidnappings, and killings[3].
After the formal dissolution of the FARC, some rebel groups reorganized to maintain control over strategic areas, especially those linked to cocaine production. This has turned the region into a battlefield for factions determined to control the drug trafficking route to Venezuela and international markets[4]. The violence escalated, with attacks targeting community leaders and human rights activists, after the government suspended peace talks with the ELN, accusing them of killing five former FARC fighters. This accusation broke an already fragile armistice, leading to renewed territorial tensions[5].
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President Gustavo Petro declared a state of emergency and sent the military to Catatumbo. However, this move has been criticized for failing to protect civilians and restore order. Petro, who based his election campaign on promises of total peace, now faces a dilemma: how to balance the desire for peace with the need for military action against armed groups?[6] The suspension of peace negotiations with the ELN has raised concerns about the government’s ability to handle conflicts without using violence. Some members of his administration have expressed dissatisfaction, highlighting internal divisions that further weaken political stability[7].
Venezuela has taken on a key role in managing the Catatumbo crisis. President Nicolás Maduro has proposed creating a “binational economic zone” to promote legal economic activities and reduce reliance on illegal trade[8]. While this proposal has the potential to foster development, relations between Colombia and Venezuela remain fragile due to disagreements over border control. Meanwhile, Venezuela has welcomed thousands of displaced Colombians, providing shelter and humanitarian aid. Collaboration between the two countries is essential for stabilizing the region, but diplomatic tensions continue to block concrete progress[9].
International pressure and future challenges
The United Nations has strongly condemned the violence in Catatumbo. It called for the full implementation of the 2016 peace agreement[10] and stressing the urgency of protecting civilians, ensuring the safety of former fighters, and supporting community leaders. However, the region’s chronic instability continues to undermine trust in the peace process. Several experts have suggested sending international intervention forces to ensure a ceasefire and protect human rights[11].
The crisis in Catatumbo represents a crucial issue for Gustavo Petro’s government and the future of peace in Colombia. The region remains trapped in violence linked to the control of drug trafficking and natural resources. Creating alternative economic opportunities and strengthening local institutions could help reduce the influence of armed groups. However, without inclusive dialogue and genuine commitment from all parties involved, peace will remain a distant goal[12].
Note
[1] Brambilla, T. (January 22, 2025). Colombia, scoppiano le violenze: è strage nel Catatumbo. InsideOver. https://it.insideover.com/guerra/colombia-scoppiano-le-violenze-e-strage-nel-catatumbo.html
[2] Cueto, J. C. (January 22, 2025). El ELN es hoy un ejército binacional y un instrumento clarísimo de Venezuela para influir en Colombia. BBC Mundo. https://www.bbc.com/mundo/articles/cd7dvdq8319o
[3] Singer, F. (January 20, 2025). Venezuela recibe a los desplazados colombianos por los combates en la frontera. El País. https://elpais.com/america/2025-01-20/venezuela-recibe-a-los-desplazados-colombianos-por-los-combates-en-la-frontera.html
[4] Amnesty International. (January 22, 2025). Colombia: Protect civilians in Catatumbo. https://www.amnesty.org/en/documents/amr23/8941/2025/en/
[5] Mishra, V. (January 22, 2025). Colombia: Catatumbo killings highlight fragility of peace process. United Nations. https://news.un.org/en/story/2025/01/1159291
[6] Cueto, op., cit.
[7] Internazionale. (February 11, 2025). Colombia: Crisi di governo in Colombia, il presidente chiede ai ministri di dimettersi. https://www.internazionale.it
[8] Il Sole 24 Ore. (February 6, 2025). Il presidente della Colombia: la legalizzazione della cocaina come soluzione per smantellare il traffico di droga. https://www.ilsole24ore.com/art/il-presidente-colombia-legalizzazione-cocaina-come-soluzione-smantellare-traffico-droga-AGkWefkC?refresh_ce=1
[9] Ansa. (Feburary 8, 2025). Catatumbo, Maduro propone a Petro una zona economica binazionale. https://www.ansa.it/sito/notizie/mondo/americalatina/2025/02/08/catatumbo-maduro-propone-a-petro-una-zona-economica-binazionale_dc7bdaff-0da3-4f82-873e-5921ed396f5d.html
[10] BBC News. (October 3, 2016). Colombia referendum: Voters reject Farc peace deal. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-37537252
[11] Mishra, op., cit.
[12] Amnesty International, op., cit.
Foto copertina: Cover photo from Il Manifesto. It shows police in the Tibu region after guerrilla clashes between the ELN and former FARC.