Why Colombia’s Government Should Not Bow to ELN’s Demands for “Unified Policy”
The Colombian government’s peace talks with the ELN have once again hit an impasse, as ELN negotiator Pablo Beltrán demands a “unified policy” from President Gustavo Petro’s administration. But conceding to these guerrilla demands would be a dangerous misstep.
The ELN’s Demand for “Unified Policy”: A Power Play?
The ELN’s call for a ‘unified policy’ from the Colombian government may sound reasonable, but it’s a strategic maneuver. In an interview with EFE, ELN negotiator Pablo Beltrán expressed frustration with perceived inconsistencies in President Gustavo Petro’s administration, urging a unified approach. This seemingly reasonable request, however, reveals a deeper tactic by the ELN—aiming to gain more control over the peace process and sideline voices within the government and society that may counter their agenda. This should alert us to the ELN’s strategic maneuvering and the need for vigilance in the peace process.
The ELN attempts to discredit opposition to its demands by accusing the government of a “dual policy” and implying internal division. This stance pressures Petro’s administration to align with the ELN’s terms. For a government managing many security concerns, yielding to these demands could weaken its stance and hand the ELN an advantage.
The Risks of a “Single Interlocutor” for Peace Talks
The ELN’s request for a single government contact—what Beltrán calls a “single interlocutor”—goes beyond simplifying communication. This will silence Petro’s critics and exclude others disagreeing with him about the peace process. Not all governments are one and the same, even the most complicated PetroPetro’s, nor are they as monolithic and asymmetric as the ELN would hope for.
What Beltrán has asked the government to do is not just ‘speak with one voice ‘, it’s a demand for exclusion from controls and balances to the Colombian force. By pushing for this streamlined process, the ELN is essentially seeking to silence any dissent within the government and ensure that its strategy remains unchallenged. This ‘single interlocutor’ approach would allow the ELN to dictate terms more freely, potentially pressuring the government into concessions it might later regret. This should raise concerns and engage us in the potential consequences of the ELN’s demands.
Accusations of “Dual Policy”: Shifting Blame
The ELN is negotiating according to the ceasefire policy, and one of those tactics was Beltrán’s criticism of the government’s “dual policy.”” He writes that some government measures hamstrung the peace negotiations but turned a blind eye to the ELN problem. The ELN was no stranger to committing acts of violence against civilians and engaging in sabotage during the ceasefire, further eroding their commitment to peace.
With the government’s response labeled as “dual policy,” the ELN is distracting us from its own violations and posing as a victim, not a culprit. That’s not all irony; the ELN used to make ceasefires as regrouping opportunities. This selective narrative leaves the government stuck, where any efforts to put the ELN on its feet will come off as cynical or aggressive. It’s unsuitable for the government to dictate policy by the ELN’s rhetoric and keep ceasefires for peace, not war.
The ELN’s Promises: Peace or Power?
The ELN’s demands suggest they are committed to peace and transformation, but a closer examination suggests otherwise. Beltrán claims the ELN is pursuing a new bilateral ceasefire and supporting peace initiatives across Colombia. Yet, history shows they often use peace talks to pursue their militant ambitions, weakening the very processes they purport to help.
Why the ELN continues to advance into these areas where other armies have moved out is anyone’s guess. Requests for “revolutionary” arrangements might be excellent, but the demands are usually empty, allowing the ELN to do business in the name of communication. Petro’s government must be wary and look at hard evidence instead of grandstanding.
A Cautious Path Forward for Colombia’s Peace Process
Colombia’s peace efforts with the ELN are commendable, but caution is necessary. While accepting the ELN’s demands for a “unified policy” and a “single interlocutor” may seem friendly, it could hinder meaningful discussions. Instead, Colombia should strive to be a fair and equitable nation that values transparency, listens to the communities affected, and holds the ELN accountable for its actions.
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Petro’s government cannot abandon the peace initiative without unilateral concessions. The ELN’s history indicates that it is more of a power-hungry organization than a genuine change agent. By rejecting the ELN’s insistence on a “unified policy,” the government can pursue a peace process grounded in accountability and mutual respect rather than submitting to the guerrilla group’s tactics.
