Colombia's armed groups threaten peace with kidnappings
- In July 2019, Anthony Colmenares was reported missing after he failed to return home.
- His family suspected that the National Liberation Army was responsible for his kidnapping given their history.
- Current peace negotiations in Colombia face criticism for lacking military support, which may embolden armed groups.
In Colombia, armed groups continue to pose significant dangers to civilians. The National Liberation Army (ELN), a Marxist-Leninist rebel organization, has a notorious history of kidnappings and violence. Families of the kidnapped face considerable distress, as they often remain without communication, leading to turmoil and uncertainty. In the case of Anthony Colmenares, his disappearance on July 17, 2019, sparked a desperate search by his family, who feared that he had fallen victim to this organization. The last signal from his phone indicated a location close to the Colombian border, strengthening the belief that the ELN was involved in his kidnapping. This situation reflects the ongoing struggles related to peace negotiations in the region. Recent discussions aimed at establishing a stable peace have faltered without genuine military backing, which some argue is essential to deter further aggression from these groups. The inability to protect citizens and bring safety has raised concerns among the public that negotiations may merely allow these armed factions to gain more control and influence, further complicating the pathway to peace.