Colombia's ELN Rebels Declare Temporary Ceasefire Ahead of Presidential Election

Colombia's largest remaining rebel group, the National Liberation Army, or ELN, has declared a temporary ceasefire from June 20 to June 23, coinciding with the country's highly polarized presidential election on June 21.

The ELN stated that it will cease attacks on the nation's military, emphasizing its respect for citizens' right to vote freely and avoiding any actions that might threaten the candidates or hinder the voting process.

The rebels also issued a warning against foreign interference in the elections, emphasizing that political decisions should be made solely by Colombians.

The presidential election pits Sen. Iván Cepeda, an ally of President Gustavo Petro, against Abelardo de la Espriella, a conservative lawyer endorsed by U.S. President Donald Trump.

Critics argue that rebel groups have used ceasefires in the past to regroup, rearm, and strengthen their grip over rural communities, where they engage in extortion and threaten those who oppose their illegal enterprises.

The Petro administration had launched peace talks with the ELN in 2023 but canceled them in 2025 after the rebels carried out a series of attacks in northeast Colombia.

De la Espriella's campaign has raised concerns about potential voter coercion by rebel groups in remote municipalities, which Cepeda has denied.

According to Colombia's Defense Ministry, the ELN has over 6,000 fighters in Colombia and Venezuela, engaging in illegal activities such as gold mining and drug trade.

The ELN was founded in the 1960s by union leaders and intellectuals concerned with social justice, but in recent decades, it has become known for its criminal activities, including extortion and attacks on oil infrastructure.