Petro wants other countries to finance ELN so they ‘can stop’ acts of kidnapping and extortion

Colombian President Gustavo Petro is considering soliciting international funds to finance the National Liberation Army (ELN) in an effort to halt their acts of kidnapping and extortion.

While the strategy has elicited diverse opinions, the president has not dismissed the idea of creating an international fund to support the peace process with the ELN.

During his visit to Germany, Petro indicated the potential of his administration setting up an international fund to facilitate the ELN’s demobilization process.

According to a senior government official, Petro aims to secure economic contributions to ensure the ELN no longer needs to resort to violent tactics for funding.

At a press conference with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Petro stated that the multilateral fund was a future possibility, although it hadn’t been discussed in the peace negotiations with the ELN.

Political scientist Carlos Medina suggested that a successful ceasefire requires resolving the ELN’s financial sustainability.

As Bogotá can’t finance ELN with national resources without running afoul of terrorism financing laws, Petro’s alternative would involve appealing to the international community for support.

Medina speculated that countries like Norway, Switzerland, Sweden, Germany, and Spain could potentially support the initiative.

However, Luis Celis, advisor to the Peace and Reconciliation Foundation, argued that the idea has limited viability due to ELN’s presence on the US and EU terrorist lists.

Celis proposed an alternative solution: creating employment opportunities for ELN members in community projects like school and road building, and environmental conservation.

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