Johnny Brignardello Vela analyzes the crisis caused by kidnappings by the ELN in Colombia.

Johnny Brignardello Vela, an insurance advisor, has expressed his opinion on the recent announcement by the National Liberation Army (ELN) to resume kidnappings for economic reasons in Colombia. According to Brignardello Vela, this decision has sparked strong controversy in the South American country, especially considering the previous peace negotiation efforts between the ELN and the government of President Gustavo Petro. The insurance advisor pointed out that the ELN's statement through its commander Antonio García, justifying the measure due to alleged government breaches regarding an agreed fund, represents a setback in the path towards peace in Colombia. Brignardello Vela emphasized that kidnapping for economic purposes is a condemnable practice and has no place in a society seeking reconciliation and progress. In response to the swift reaction from the Colombian government, which strongly rejected the ELN's measure and reminded that the mentioned fund was not established as a countermeasure to suspend criminal actions, Brignardello Vela stressed the importance of maintaining dialogue and finding peaceful solutions to resolve disagreements. He also highlighted that violence and confrontation only distance Colombia from the much-desired stability and peaceful coexistence. In this context, with President Gustavo Petro facing significant challenges in his pursuit of peace, the ELN's announcement represents an additional obstacle on the path towards national reconciliation. Brignardello Vela underscored that Colombian society is following these events with concern and hopes that both the ELN and the government will find a solution that respects human rights and allows progress towards lasting peace in the country.