Colombia suspends military operations against FARC dissidents for six days

The Colombian government has temporarily suspended military operations against a dissident faction of the FARC, known as the National Coordinator Bolivarian Army (CNEB). The six-day suspension, effective from June 14 to June 19, is a key step in the ongoing peace negotiations.

This measure is designed to allow approximately 100 members of the CNEB to relocate to a designated Temporary Location Zone (ZUT) in the southern Putumayo department. These zones are central to President Gustavo Petro's 'total peace' initiative, intended to guide armed group members toward disarmament and civilian life.

The suspension comes just days before the crucial second round of presidential elections, adding a layer of political sensitivity to the peace process. A Monitoring and Verification Mechanism, involving the government, the CNEB, and the Organization of American States' peace mission, has been established to oversee the ZUT's implementation.

Negotiations with the CNEB have been fraught with challenges. In April, the group was implicated in attacks in the Nariño department that resulted in the deaths of three soldiers and injuries to four children. Despite such incidents, the CNEB has previously reaffirmed its commitment to cease offensive actions, including the use of drones.

The CNEB comprises the Border Commands and the Pacific Guerrilla Coordinator. Their decision to separate from another FARC dissident group, Segunda Marquetalia, highlights the complex fragmentation within these factions. Previous attacks attributed to the Border Commands, such as one in May of the previous year that killed 12 people, including 11 military personnel, have complicated reconciliation efforts.