SUMMARY

The temporary alliance between FARC-EMC and ELN was formed in early 2023 to counter the Gaitanista Army of Colombia EGC's expansion in strategic areas of the Bolívar and Antioquia departments. EGC's attempts to invade and seize control prompted this coalition, with the shared goal of maintaining their territorial control and halting EGC's advancement.

The territories under dispute are located along drug trafficking routes and contain a large number of gold mines that produce significant revenues, providing a crucial source of income for both groups. To protect these territories from the EGC, the FARC-EMC, and the ELN, which otherwise dispute each other in other parts of the country, decided to join efforts.

The fight over the mines in the south of Bolivar led to violent clashes with the EGC. Aggressive defence tactics such as the use of explosive devices were used against the EGC. Anti-personnel mines were installed to prevent EGC and state forces from seizing control over territory held by the guerilla groups. Strategic assassinations by both sides aimed to intimidate the enemy. The local population is heavily affected by the confrontation including violence against and assassinations of farmers, social leaders, and large-scale displacement.

The non-state conflict EGC – ELN, FARC-EMC was first included in UCDP data in 2023. In December of that year, the conflict first reached the threshold of 25 battle-related deaths.