Colombian President Agrees to Independent Commission Investigating Rebel Ties to Drug Trafficking

According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, Colombian President Gustavo Petro announced his acceptance of the National Liberation Army’s (ELN) proposal to establish an independent commission dedicated to investigating any potential connections between the country’s largest rebel faction and drug trafficking operations. This announcement follows previous assertions by the government accusing the insurgents of being involved with narcotics cartels, which previously stalled ongoing peace negotiations.

The ELN leadership, including rebel commander Antonio García, had previously issued a video statement vehemently denying any association between the group and drug smugglers. President Petro emphasized that the proposed investigative entity must be scientific in its methodology and completely autonomous from governmental influence, with a mandate to deliver its conclusive research results directly to the United Nations for review.

Furthermore, the Colombian President called upon the ELN to actively support alternative crop development programs within the Catatumbo region, an area central to coca cultivation. Following the disarmament of the FARC rebels in 2017, the National Liberation Army remains the most significant remaining guerrilla force operating within Colombia.