Rio de Janeiro, Jan 25, (dpa/GNA) – Colombian President, Gustavo Petro, on Friday issued a decree that gives him emergency powers, to respond to an outbreak of deadly violence between rival armed groups in the north-eastern Catatumbo region.
The declaration of a “state of internal unrest” was approved by all of Petro’s ministers, and gives the left-wing president powers to restore order, such as setting curfews.
Authorities say at least 80 people in the rural region have been killed in recent clashes between the National Liberation Army (ELN) and a splinter group of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC).
The Ombudsman’s Office of Colombia, described the situation as critical. It said 36,000 people have been displaced from their homes in the region, which borders Venezuela.
The law says a “state of internal unrest” can be declared in situations of serious disruption of public order, that endanger institutional stability, state security or the coexistence of citizens, and that cannot be remedied by the regular powers of the police.
The measure, which has not been imposed since 2008, is valid for a period of 90 days and only for Catatumbo. It can be extended by up to 180 days with the approval of lawmakers.
In 2016, the largest guerrilla organization, FARC, and the Colombian government, signed a peace agreement. However, some splinter groups remained active.
The Colombian government has been engaged in peace talks with the ELN for years, but they have been frequently suspended. The Marxist-Leninist guerrilla organization has around 5,000 fighters, and is involved in kidnappings, drug trafficking and protection rackets.
Due to the latest attacks, the Colombian government has once again broken off its peace talks with the ELN rebels. Petro accused them of “war crimes.”
The targets of the ELN attacks include members of a FARC splinter group, that is also holding peace talks with the government.
GNA