ELN Declares 4-Day Ceasefire Before Colombia's June 21 Presidential Runoff
Updated
Updated · The Associated Press · Jun 15
ELN Declares 4-Day Ceasefire Before Colombia's June 21 Presidential Runoff
3 articles · Updated · The Associated Press · Jun 15
Summary
June 20-23 is the ceasefire window the ELN set, ordering fighters to halt attacks on Colombia’s military ahead of Sunday’s presidential election.
The rebel group said it wants voters to cast ballots freely, not threaten candidates or block turnout, while also warning against foreign interference in Colombia’s political decisions.
The runoff pits Iván Cepeda, who won 40.9% in the first round, against conservative lawyer Abelardo de la Espriella, who led with 43.7% and has pledged to scrap ELN peace talks.
Those talks began in 2023 but collapsed in 2025 after ELN attacks in northeast Colombia displaced more than 56,000 people, fueling criticism that ceasefires let armed groups regroup and tighten control in rural areas.
With rebels offering a truce but vowing more kidnappings, can Colombia’s next leader truly deliver peace?
After a peace policy fueled record violence, will Colombians now vote for dialogue or an “uncompromising war”?
Security, Peace, and Polarization: The Stakes of Colombia’s 2026 Presidential Runoff Amid ELN Ceasefire
Overview
Ahead of Colombia’s presidential runoff on June 21, 2026, the National Liberation Army (ELN) declared a unilateral ceasefire, instructing its fighters to halt attacks from June 20 to 23. The ELN claims this pause is to let the election proceed without armed conflict, but the timing also suggests deeper motives—such as signaling a renewed willingness for dialogue, influencing the incoming administration, or improving its public image after peace talks broke down in 2025 following major attacks. Despite this gesture, reactions remain cautious and skeptical, reflecting ongoing mistrust and concerns about election security.