Link to Article: https://apnews.com/article/colombia-government-mexico-caribbean-bogota-city-61fbd05b4646ac29704d38c517a0ff08
Columbia’s government and the communist-inspired National Liberation Army (ELN) rebel group held negotiations in Mexico City on Monday, resuming peace talks towards a resolution to the conflict between both parties dating back to the 1960s. This is the second round of talks after the first began in November after the leftist Gustavo Petro was elected president of Columbia. Prior talks have accomplished little so far. Negotiations were suspended in 2019 after a rebel attack which killed 23. Colombian government officials hope for more more permanent solutions rather than temporary truces, while the rebel negotiators aims are towards temporary and nationwide ceasefire, as well as an alternative anti-drug policy which is allegedly not based on repression and war. Petro stated that peace with the ELN are very important towards accomplishing his plan of bringing total peace to Columbia and getting rid of the drug gangs and rebel groups which are still present in rural areas.
Negotiations between the ELN and the government appear to hold promise. However, it is likely that rigid negotiating between the two groups have made progress slow. It appears there is no outside influence on the negotiations other than Mexico serving as a mediator for the meetings. Petro and the Colombian government are heavily hindered and weakened by these rebel groups and hands which contribute to the lack of unification and stability in the country. Peace between the government and largest rebel group will do much to stem these leaks in the system and will allow Columbia to pursue other interests.
This current event and development does not reflect well with in class discussion as we are currently discussing geopolitics, strategy and grand-strategy. This issue is intrastate and does not involve other nations. However, neighboring countries will, due theories of thinking and a desire to secure its own well being, wish that Columbia stays stable and prospers, given that said neighbouring country is not an enemy of Columbia. In addition, Columbia is very important economically and can relate to geopolitics which cover security of economic interests.