The Farc dissidents of the Estado Mayor Central (EMC), led by alias Iván Mordisco, and the ELN have announced unilateral ceasefires during Colombia's year-end holidays. The EMC will suspend offensive operations from December 23, 2025, to January 7, 2026, while the ELN will do so from midnight on December 24 until midnight on January 3, 2026. These measures aim to allow celebrations without violence, though both groups reserve their right to self-defense.
In an official statement, the Estado Mayor Central (EMC), Farc dissidents under the command of alias “Iván Mordisco,” announced a unilateral ceasefire against Colombia's public forces. The measure will run from December 23, 2025, to January 7, 2026, with instructions to all its units to suspend offensive military operations. The group stressed that the decision allows families to enjoy Christmas and New Year without fears of confrontations, but clarified that it does not renounce its defensive capacity and reserves the right to respond to threats.
The EMC reiterated its “commitment to maintain the struggle alongside the Colombian people” against fascism, imperialism, and transnational capital. So far, the National Government has not officially responded to the announcement.
For its part, the National Liberation Army (ELN) communicated yesterday a similar ceasefire, effective from midnight on December 24, 2025, to midnight on January 3, 2026. “The ELN National Directorate directs all its structures not to carry out offensive military operations against the State's Armed Forces,” the statement indicates. This decision follows a 72-hour armed strike that caused more than 80 incidents, including explosives on roads, group flags, and attacks on garrisons, such as the one in Villanueva (La Guajira) with seven soldiers killed.
Defense Minister Pedro Sánchez rejected the recent violence and condemned a drone and explosives attack on a base in Aguachica (César) on December 18, which left seven soldiers dead and 28 injured. Peace negotiations with the ELN remain suspended due to the escalation in Catatumbo, which has lasted nearly a year.
Both announcements occur amid ongoing armed conflict, and authorities are cautiously monitoring their impact on security during the holidays.
