Colombia's president-elect gives ELN one month to surrender or face military action

Abelardo de la Espriella, Colombia's president-elect, has issued a stern ultimatum to National Liberation Army (ELN) leaders active in the Santander region. During a transition meeting in Bucaramanga with 87 mayors, de la Espriella demanded that ELN commanders, including aliases 'Zorrillo' and 'Volkswagen,' surrender to justice within one month.

De la Espriella, who arrived in Bucaramanga on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, to lead the transition process in Santander, emphasized the link between security and prosperity. The meeting focused on the region's primary needs, with security, infrastructure investment, and strategic project development taking precedence. "Prosperity comes with that security. Works. What we did today is a democratic exercise; we are learning about the needs of each municipality, we are going to review the accounts," de la Espriella stated, promising investment in Santander, which he claimed had been neglected in previous administrations.

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The bandit who does not submit will be taken down.

Failure to comply with the ultimatum will result in relentless pursuit by public forces. "The bandit who does not submit will be taken down," de la Espriella warned, signaling a firm stance against armed groups operating illegally. The president-elect's declaration underscores a commitment to restoring order and security in a region grappling with the presence of guerrilla factions.

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Prosperity comes with that security. Works. What we did today is a democratic exercise; we are learning about the needs of each municipality, we are going to review the accounts.