Switzerland continues to stand firm as a beacon of peace and stability amid troubling international incidents, reaffirming its commitment to the Colombian peace process even as violence surges from the National Liberation Army (ELN). The ELN, once engaged at the negotiating table with the Colombian government, has resuscitated armed conflict, creating significant humanitarian challenges.
Beginning January 16, 2025, the Catatumbo region—situated along the Colombia-Venezuela border—has seen increasingly brutal confrontations, resulting in over 50,000 people displaced and approximately 100 deaths as rebel groups vie for control over lucrative resources linked to the drug trade. Colombian President Gustavo Petro alleges the ELN is responsible for grievous offenses. "They have taken people from their homes and murdered them in the most brutal way," noted Luis Emilio Cardozo, commander of the Colombian national army, highlighting the grave situation.
The violence raises questions about the future of Colombia’s ambitious "total peace" plan aimed at reducing long-standing conflicts. Observers fear this intensification could halt progress, pushing it back toward the turmoil of decades past. Iris Marín Ortiz, leader of the Colombian Ombudsperson’s Office, claims the ELN is politically finished due to this escalation, even though she initially warned of potential violence.
President Petro’s efforts to negotiate with various armed groups rely on legislation enabling dialogues with all parties involved. Unfortunately, due to the recent violence, peace negotiations with the ELN have been suspended. "For the time being, it is hard to see these negotiations continuing," remarked Philipp Lustenberger, Switzerland's special envoy for the peace process, confirming the harsh realities on the ground.
Despite these setbacks, Switzerland's commitment to fostering dialogue remains steadfast. The country has played an integral role alongside Germany, Sweden, and Spain as accompanying states to the peace negotiations since November 2022. Lustenberger confirmed, "Switzerland is maintaining channels of communication with both sides. The conditions must be established so they can sit down at the negotiating table again when the time is right.” Switzerland’s proactive diplomacy reflects its long history of peace advocacy, which began as early as 2003, when it initiated efforts to reconcile conflicting parties.
General acceptance of Swiss involvement is echoed by Carlos Ruiz Massieu, the UN Secretary-General’s special representative in Colombia, who stated, "Switzerland is one of Colombia’s most important allies in the peace process." His remark resonates well, especially as many regions still await significant improvements stipulated by the 2016 peace agreement, including public services, legal economic frameworks, and development opportunities.
Adversely affected areas like Catatumbo are examples of regions needing urgent governmental presence. They are pivotal areas still exerting influence from armed groups. Lustenberger emphasized the need for sustainable development, implying, "We need to think about transition processes to enable the state to gain the upper hand... counter violence with sustainable solutions.”
Beyond the Colombian borders, Switzerland is currently addressing the ramifications of the trade dispute between the US and the EU. Finance Minister Karin Keller-Sutter confidently asserted at the recent G20 meeting held in Cape Town, South Africa, "According to my information, there will be no impact on Switzerland." This reassurance followed discussions with EU and Polish representatives, indicating the government’s assurance about Switzerland's insulated stance from potential retaliatory measures against the US.
Swiss officials project optimism, attributing confidence not only to national resilience but also to diplomatic channels assuring no adverse impacts from upcoming EU sanctions. Keller-Sutter’s comments may ease concerns among businesses bracing for fallout from transatlantic tensions.
Against this backdrop, the role of Switzerland emerges strongly as both a peace mediator and economic stabilizer. Balancing efforts through its diplomatic standings, Switzerland offers exemplary models of peacekeeping strategies and relationship management during challenging negotiations.
Reflecting on its accomplishments and challenges, Lustenberger stated, "It’s clear peacebuilding and negotiation efforts with armed groups are never easy, but we also see opportunities.” This sentiment highlights the delicate nature of international relations and the potential for recovery, underscoring Switzerland’s integral role on these fronts.