Businesses across Colombia’s Chocó department came to a halt on Tuesday as the National Liberation Army (ELN) instigated a three-day “armed strike,” which has effectively restricted civilian movement and commercial activities in the area. Public transport has also been significantly disrupted, creating a tense environment for residents. This escalation follows a recent surge in violence in various rural parts of Colombia, with the Chocó region particularly affected, as nearly 1,600 individuals were reported to have been displaced in just the past two weeks, according to the country’s human rights ombudsman’s office.
The ELN released a statement over the weekend, indicating that their decision to initiate the armed strike was influenced by purported “alliances between the state, military, and mercenaries” collaborating with right-wing paramilitary factions. The rebels accused these groups of launching attacks against them and local community leaders. Such armed strikes usually result in school closures, and civilians who disregard the rebels’ directives face threats, including execution.
In response, Colombia’s military denounced the action on Monday, asserting that the ELN is imposing these restrictions to prevent civilians from using roads and rivers in the region, which would impede the transport of equipment intended for illegal gold mining and drug trafficking operations. The Chocó department, known for its poverty and sparse population, is characterized by its limited road access and numerous rivers that serve as vital transportation routes.
Chocó’s strategic location along the Pacific coast has made it a focal area for groups involved in the drug trade, particularly those smuggling cocaine into Mexico. Additionally, the region is rich in gold, a resource that has attracted exploitation by rebel factions. Following the 2016 peace agreement between the Colombian government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), which led to the disarmament of approximately 13,000 combatants, including many from Chocó, the power dynamics shifted. Areas once under FARC control are now dominated by the ELN, which was formed in the 1960s and currently boasts an estimated 6,000 fighters across Colombia and Venezuela, having seen an uptick in strength since FARC’s demobilization.
Earlier this year, President Gustavo Petro called off peace negotiations with the ELN after violent assaults in the northeastern Catatumbo region led to around 80 fatalities. Currently, Colombia’s military forces are engaged in combat with the ELN in both Catatumbo and Chocó, where an additional 1,500 troops have been deployed.
As the military confronts the ELN, the Gulf Clan, a known drug trafficking syndicate, is also making territorial advances in Chocó, further complicating the landscape of violence. Human rights ombudswoman Iris Marín Ortiz remarked on the severity of the situation but expressed hope, stating, “The situation is grave, but it is not incurable. The armed groups are strong, but our institutions and our democracy must be stronger and more robust.” On Monday, the U.S. Embassy in Bogotá issued a security warning, advising American citizens in the Chocó area to evacuate as soon as they are able.
While Chocó is not recognized as a primary tourist spot, it does possess some coastal towns that attract visitors with opportunities for whale watching, surfing, and enjoying its unique black sand beaches.
