Colombian rebel group announces it will stop kidnapping people for ransom

Former Colombian President Ivan Duque discusses the current economic and geopolitical situation in Latin America, focusing on rising Chinese and Russian influence, and upcoming elections in Argentina.

A Colombian rebel group known for kidnapping people for ransom money has announced it will stop the practice as part of peace negotiations with the government. 

Central General Command, or EMC Group, a splinter rebel group that broke away from the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) after it disarmed in 2017 following a peace deal, made the move on Tuesday, and it is seen as a victory for Colombian President Gustavo Petro, who aims to achieve "total peace" in Colombia, according to the BBC.

Ransom kidnappings have been on the rise in Colombia this year and the abduction of Manuel Díaz, the father of Liverpool soccer player Luis Díaz, brought international attention to the practice. Liverpool plays in England's Premier League.

Members of EMC hold a press conference on Dec. 3, 2023. The group says it will stop the practice as part of peace negotiations with the government. (Joaquín SARMIENTO / AFP)

COLOMBIAN GOVERNMENT ESTABLISHES 6-MONTH CEASEFIRE WITH LARGEST REMAINING GUERRILLA GROUP

Manuel Díaz was kidnapped on Oct. 28 by the National Liberation Army (ELN), a different rebel group, and held hostage for 12 days before being released. ELN, however, has vowed not to stop its kidnappings.

Tuesday’s announcement was the first major gain reached from ongoing peace talks between the Colombian government and EMC with both parties signing a statement that promised an end to "the practice of retention for economic purposes," according to AFP. Peace talks with the EMC restarted in mid-November after the group briefly