Colombia's Petro extends ceasefire with EMC armed group

The EMC was founded by former members of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) rebel group, who reject a 2016 peace deal that led to the latter group's demobilization. The ceasefire had been set to end on January 15, but will now last through July 15, the decree said.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro on Sunday decreed a six-month extension to a bilateral ceasefire with the Estado Mayor Central (EMC) armed group, amid continuing peace negotiations between the two parties. The EMC was founded by former members of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) rebel group, who reject a 2016 peace deal that led to the latter group's demobilization.

The ceasefire had been set to end on January 15, but will now last through July 15, the decree said. The two sides are holding their third cycle of peace talks in Bogota and the EMC has suspended the practice of kidnapping and released 10 hostages.

Petro has promised to end Colombia's six-decade conflict through negotiations or surrender deals with armed groups. His government is also holding talks with the National Liberation Army (ELN) rebels.