Colombia’s President Rules Out ELN Hostage Exchange
Colombia's President De la Espriella refused to swap prisoners for three police officers and a civilian held by the ELN. He ended peace talks and ordered military operations intensified. The post Colombia’s President Rules Out ELN Hostage Exchange appeared first on The Rio Times .
President Abelardo De la Espriella has firmly rejected the idea of exchanging prisoners for three police officers and a civilian taken hostage by the National Liberation Army (ELN) on August 17, 2026. Speaking on Thursday, September 17, 2026, De la Espriella stated, "There will be no swap. The lives and freedom of Colombians are not bargaining chips."
The ELN, a Marxist guerrilla group active since 1964, has been holding the four captives since that date. The rejection of the exchange is based on the principle that it would recognize the legitimacy of an illegal armed group, a stance previously adopted by the previous government. The ELN dialogue was suspended under De la Espriella's predecessor, Gustavo Petro, due to a lack of demonstrated commitment to peace. The government is prioritizing rescue operations over a potential exchange.
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