Bishop of the Diocese of Tibú Calls For An End to The Violence in Colombia

Bogotá, Colombia, January 22, 2025: In the Catatumbo region of northeastern Colombia, violence between armed groups has left over 80 dead, hundreds displaced, and peace talks between the government and these groups in jeopardy. The conflict, fueled by territorial disputes, coca production, and armed group rivalries, has triggered a humanitarian crisis, forcing families to flee their homes and seek refuge in nearby cities.

Bishop Israel Bravo of the Diocese of Tibú, in an interview with Vatican News, expressed deep concern over the ongoing violence. He explained that the conflict stems from tensions between two major revolutionary forces in the region, as well as disputes over territorial control and the illicit drug trade.

“There is also the problem of the coca paste they produce, territorial control, and they are generating confusion in the situation we find ourselves in,” the bishop said. The killing of a family, including an 8-month-old child, served as the spark that ignited this recent wave of violence.

During the interview, Bishop Bravo highlighted the severe humanitarian impact of the conflict. He said that the consequences of these clashes include "children, desperate families, people leaving the area, a massive displacement toward the city of Cúcuta." He added that "This exodus means abandoning farms, livestock, and homes, creating a climate of desolation and great fear."

The violence has displaced many families, some of whom are now taking refuge in the "Pope Francis Center," a shelter that was established a few years ago to aid Venezuelan migrants. The center now also hosts displaced Colombians fleeing the violence in rural areas.

Bishop Bravo, who has been an advocate for peace in the region, appealed to the armed groups to “come to their senses” and stop the bloodshed. “Killing each other is not the way,” he said, urging the groups involved to end the violence and reconsider their actions.

He also highlighted the message of the Jubilee Year of Hope saying, “We are as pilgrims of hope, encountering Jesus Christ with the victims of violence, with the victims of armed conflicts.”

Colombia has endured a prolonged armed conflict for over six decades, with various guerrilla groups, including the National Liberation Army (ELN) and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), driving much of the violence. The government has attempted to negotiate peace, with recent talks held in late 2024.

However, an attack by the ELN on January 20, 2025, which claimed the lives of at least 80 people, has stalled these efforts and further escalated the crisis.

The ongoing violence and displacement in the Catatumbo region are just a few examples of the enduring challenges Colombia faces in its quest for lasting peace.

Courtesy: Vatican News