Government, ELN rebels to enter fourth round of peace talks in Quito
The Colombian government will commence a fourth round of peace negotiations today with the Ejercito de Liberacion Nacional guerrilla group.
Last month, the ELN struck a three-month ceasefire with the government which included commitments to cease extortion, recruitment minors and infrastructure sabotage. For its part, the government pledged to improve jail conditions and protection for left-wing activists.
Both parties will today discuss what mechanisms will be used to consult with Colombia’s society more generally. Popular approval is crucial to a successful deal and is politically invaluable. Last year’s FARC peace deal was rejected in a referendum that provided fodder for the opposition, which is seeking to mobilise votes ahead of next year’s presidential election.
But societal participation is the first step of a complicated six-point agenda in peace negotiations. As such, expect discussions to progress slowly.
Start your day with an open-source intelligence briefing. Download The Daily Brief app.
