World

Colombia’s ELN rebels must halt attacks, restart talks- United Nations


U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres speaks as he visits the reinsertion centres of former FARC rebels in Buenavista, Colombia January 14, 2018. Image Courtesy Reuters

Colombia’s ELN rebel group must cease attacks and re-start peace talks with the government to end more than a half-century of war, United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres said on Sunday, amid renewed violence after the end of a ceasefire between the two sides.

The National Liberation Army (ELN) guerrilla group and the government of President Juan Manuel Santos have been in formal peace talks for nearly a year, but the rebels launched a fresh offensive last week, killing members of the security forces, bombing major oil pipelines and kidnapping an oil contractor after the expiration of a 101-day ceasefire, reports news agency Reuters.

In response to the renewed attacks, Santos recalled the head of the government’s team at the Quito talks to discuss the future of the negotiations. “I urge the end of armed actions and the re-start of a serious and constructive dialogue with a view to fulfilling as soon as possible the commitment of the sides to reach a solution to the conflict by political means,” said Guterres, wrapping up his two-day visit to the Andean country to discuss the progress of its 2016 peace deal with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) rebels as well as the talks with the ELN.

“There is no justification for the armed conflict in Colombia to continue,” he said, reiterating the U.N. Security Council’s call for the rebels and the government to fortify future ceasefires and avoid a return to fighting. The ELN, founded by radical Roman Catholic priests in 1964, has sought peace with the government before but made little progress. It is considered a terrorist group by the United States and European Union.


Adam Rizvi

Adam Rizvi

Adam Rizvi: Journalist, Publisher, and Community Voice Adam Rizvi, Editor-in-Chief of The India Observer, combines journalism, publishing, and community activism with a passion for storytelling. He directs editorial content, manages writers, and brings expertise in marketing and project management to the newsroom. A lifelong activist, Adam has collaborated with non-profits to amplify underrepresented voices. His diverse career spans literature, management studies, leadership in the travel industry, and creative contributions to film and television as an actor, scriptwriter, and producer. Beyond work, he is a devoted father to daughters Alizah and Anum, and enjoys reading, swimming, hiking, cycling, and restoring his old home. Inspired by the values of his late parents, Adam continues to foster community connections and deliver journalism rooted in integrity and heart. 📧 Contact: mediaiss@gmail.com

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