The United States has recently classified Colombia’s largest criminal group, the Gaitanist Army of Colombia (EGC), as a “terrorist organization.” This designation has raised concerns regarding potential escalations in violence and its impact on ongoing peace negotiations.
US Designates EGC Group as ‘Terrorist Organization’
On Tuesday morning, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the designation of the EGC, also known as the Clan del Golfo, as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT). The group has an extensive presence throughout Colombia and is notorious for its involvement in drug trafficking, extortion, and illegal mining activities.
Background of the EGC
- Name: Gaitanist Army of Colombia (EGC) / Clan del Golfo
- Activities: Drug trafficking, illegal mining, extortion
- Members: Thousands
- Previous US Actions: Financial sanctions imposed last year, but did not include terrorist designation
The US government has previously labeled other Colombian armed groups as FTOs, such as the National Liberation Army (ELN) and the disbanded Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). The new FTO designation allows US courts to impose sanctions on individuals or entities providing support to the EGC, which may curtail the group’s connections to private enterprises.
Concerns Over Peace Negotiations
Experts have expressed concerns that this designation could jeopardize ongoing peace discussions between the EGC and the Colombian government. These negotiations are mediated by the Qatari government and were initiated following a formal agreement signed on December 5 in Doha. Analysts point out that the terrorist designation complicates the possibility of securing non-extradition guarantees for EGC leaders amidst ongoing talks.
Gerson Arias, a conflict investigator from the Ideas for Peace Foundation, indicated that the FTO classification could effectively obstruct the provision of guarantees against extradition for EGC leaders back to the United States. The risks associated with potential jail time for these leaders could heighten tensions and lead to an escalation of violence in Colombia.
Impact on Violence Levels
The EGC has a history of targeting state security officials. Early in the year, the group was responsible for a series of attacks that resulted in multiple fatalities among Colombian security forces. Elizabeth Dickinson from the International Crisis Group highlighted that should peace talks falter, violence could significantly increase, particularly in the northern regions of Colombia.
Nevertheless, Dickinson noted that the FTO designation does not entirely preclude the possibility of successful negotiations. The 2016 peace agreement with FARC, which was also designated as a terrorist organization by the US, serves as a precedent for negotiation despite such classifications. The Colombian government now faces the challenge of reassessing its approach to dialogue with the EGC in light of this recent development.
