Colombian President Gustavo Petro responded on Thursday, January 23, to negative remarks about his visit to Haiti. This occurred amidst the severe crisis in the Catatumbo region, an area marked by clashes between armed groups. Petro emphasized that significant measures have been taken and highlighted his dialogue with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro to address the issue.
All possible support for our fellow citizens on the border pic.twitter.com/xy5YnmAXcU
— Gustavo Petro (@petrogustavo) January 23, 2025
A Crisis Shaking Catatumbo
Catatumbo is currently facing an alarming situation. There are 36,000 displaced people, dozens injured, and nearly 100 fatalities due to clashes between the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the former Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC).
ELN troops primarily left Arauca, traveling as civilians for a month to reach Catatumbo.
They seek border control, relying economically on Catatumbo cocaine. Pablito bears the greatest responsibility for this action. They aim for control to…
— Gustavo Petro (@petrogustavo) January 23, 2025
In light of this, Petro announced a joint plan with Maduro to eradicate illegal armed groups on the border between the two nations.
A Binational Plan to Restore Peace
No one is disconnected in this era.
I inform you that I have been in contact with the current Venezuelan government from Haiti and have delegated my defense minister to speak with his counterpart and establish a joint plan to eradicate armed groups on the border.
True… https://t.co/GQwFfVvHWd
— Gustavo Petro (@petrogustavo) January 23, 2025
Petro explained that this agreement will be led by the defense ministers of Colombia and Venezuela, Iván Velásquez and Vladimir Padrino López, respectively. The primary goal is to strengthen border security and eliminate illegal routes used by armed groups.
“For years, the border was left in the hands of armed mafias. Now we have spoken with Nicolás Maduro to close these illegal routes, especially along the Catatumbo River. We also aim to assist the 1,580 Colombian refugees on the other side of the border,” stated the president.
The plan includes aerial patrols and controls at the most vulnerable points to curb the activities of these groups.
Petro Defends His Visit to Haiti
My speech in Jacmel, Haiti, on the new global situation.https://t.co/dUOIrggHD8
— Gustavo Petro (@petrogustavo) January 23, 2025
During his message, Petro took the opportunity to explain the importance of his visit to Haiti. Although brief, the president noted that this meeting resulted in agreements to promote peace and security in the region.
Petro emphasized Haiti’s historical role in Latin America’s independence, recalling how this nation supported figures like Bolívar and Miranda in their fight for the freedom of Colombia, Venezuela, Panama, and Ecuador.
“We owe our liberty to Haiti, and now that they need help, my government is committed to giving back,” he said.
Support for Haiti in Security and Drug Trafficking
As part of the collaboration between Colombia, Venezuela, and Haiti, Petro announced that his government would support the training of Haitian police. Additionally, he pledged to work on blocking drug trafficking routes crossing Haitian territory, benefiting the entire region.
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