The ELN extends an olive branch to the future Colombian president, but says it is ready to continue the war.

As a change of power approaches in Colombia, the National Liberation Army (ELN) guerrilla group claims to be willing to resume peace negotiations with the country's next president. However, the rebel group warns that it will continue its armed struggle if no serious dialogue takes place.

In an interview with Reuters from a remote area of ​​Chocó province, one of the ELN's top commanders indicated that the organization remained open to a negotiated solution to the decades-long conflict between the guerrillas and the Colombian state. According to him, the possibility of an agreement will largely depend on the willingness of the future head of state to reopen talks.

The rebel leader nevertheless asserted that the ELN was capable of withstanding a potential escalation of military operations. He stated that the group possessed the resources and structure necessary to survive a large-scale offensive by government forces, should negotiations fail.

The ELN remains the main active guerrilla group in Colombia today since the demobilization of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) following the peace agreement signed in 2016. Despite several attempts at dialogue in recent years, discussions between the government and the rebel movement have suffered numerous setbacks.

The commander also acknowledged that kidnappings would continue to be a source of funding for the organization. This statement is likely to provoke further criticism of the group, which is regularly accused of using this practice to finance its activities and maintain its influence in certain regions of the country.

As Colombia prepares to open a new political chapter, the ELN's statements illustrate the delicate situation facing the next president. Caught between the hope of a resumption of dialogue and the threat of continued armed conflict, the future of the peace process remains uncertain.