Colombia Ends Ceasefire with Dissident EMC Rebels Amid Internal Division

Colombia's government has terminated a ceasefire with certain EMC rebel factions, led by Ivan Mordisco, due to their rejection of peace talks. This decision has exacerbated internal divisions within the EMC and complicates President Gustavo Petro’s efforts to end the country's long-standing conflict.

Colombia's government has terminated a ceasefire with factions of the EMC rebels, led by commander Ivan Mordisco, who have rejected peace talks, according to the defense ministry.

The Estado Mayor Central (EMC) is comprised of former FARC fighters who oppose the 2016 peace deal. The ceasefire, however, will remain effective for three months for the Gentil Duarte block, Jorge Suarez Briceno block, and Raul Reyes front, the ministry announced via X.

Earlier in March, the government suspended the ceasefire in certain provinces due to persistent violence, leading to internal divisions within the EMC. Various factions subsequently withdrew from peace talks. Despite the termination, the ceasefire will persist in provinces like Norte de Santander, Antioquia, Meta, and Caqueta. Ivan Mordisco, legally Nestor Gregorio Vera, was a feared FARC commander before leading the dissident group.

President Gustavo Petro aims to end Colombia's 60-year conflict, which has claimed 450,000 lives, through new peace agreements. However, he confronts significant hurdles, including the challenging EMC negotiations that began last October. The EMC, consisting of approximately 3,800 members, has garnered local support by building infrastructure in controlled areas, strengthening their negotiation stance.