Colombian President Gustavo Petro said on Feb. 15 he would accept a proposal from the country's largest remaining rebel group to allow an independent commission to investigate its alleged links to drug trafficking.

On Jan. 20, Antonio García, leader of the National Liberation Army (ELN), released a video stating that although the group collects taxes from cocaine producers in its territory, it does not itself operate drug trafficking networks or cocaine production facilities.

In a message posted on X, Petro confirmed his acceptance of the proposal, stating that the body responsible for verifying the rebel group's claims must be "scientific and independent of governments," and should submit its findings to the United Nations. He also urged the rebels to support efforts aimed at replacing coca crops in the northeastern Catatumbo region, a key area for cocaine production.

The announcement comes amid ongoing scrutiny of Colombia's long-running conflict and its entanglement with the drug trade. By endorsing an independent investigation, Petro signaled a willingness to subject both government narratives and rebel claims to international scrutiny, potentially reshaping accountability within Colombia.

President Petro has repeatedly criticized corruption within previous governments, recently writing on X that what he called the "most corrupt government of this century" was responsible for the killing of up to 6,402 young people who were falsely presented as guerrillas, as well as the loss of billions in public health funds. Recognizing a pattern of impunity, his decision to back an independent investigation signals an effort to strengthen accountability and reassert the rule of law.

According to United Nations figures, Colombia recorded its largest cocaine seizures between 2023 and 2024, and extradited 700 drug traffickers to the United States and the European Union.

From JURIST, Feb. 16. Used with permission. Internal links added.