Colombia: ELN guerrillas release two police officers four days before the presidential election
The National Liberation Army has released two agents who were kidnapped in 2025 and has warned: “We are ready to engage in dialogue; otherwise, we will continue the conflict.” This overture is conditional on the progressive candidate Cepeda, whilst the conservative candidate de la Espriella has ruled out any contact.
On Wednesday 17 June, the Colombian National Liberation Army (ELN) released two judicial police officers who had been kidnapped on 20 July 2025 in the town of Tame. Two other officials from the public prosecutor’s office remain in the hands of the Marxist-Leninist guerrilla organisation, which has been designated a terrorist organisation by the European Union and the United States.
Openness to dialogue
The release comes four days before the second round of the presidential election, scheduled for Sunday 21 June. “The ELN will always be open to anyone who comes to the Casa de Nariño (the presidential palace, ed.) and calls for dialogue. Otherwise, we will continue the fight,” said Yerson, the name used by the commander of the group’s Western War Front.
The candidates’ positions
The contest is between the progressive Iván Cepeda, who secured 40.9 per cent in the first round, and the conservative lawyer Abelardo de la Espriella, who is in the lead with 43.7 per cent. Cepeda has stated that he is willing to engage in dialogue with the rebel group, provided that it respects the rights of community leaders and the areas under their control.
The current president, Gustavo Petro, who has been in office since 2022, had initiated talks with the ELN. However, the talks were suspended in 2025 following a series of attacks in north-eastern Colombia, which forced more than 56,000 people to flee their homes.
De la Espriella, on the other hand, denies any willingness to engage, stating that he wishes to scupper peace talks between the government and armed military groups.
