ELN Rebels Condition Kidnapping Halt on Government Funding for Cease-Fire

Colombia's largest remaining rebel group currently holds at least 38 hostages, with peace talks yielding little progress.

ELN leader Antonio García has stated that the rebel group will only stop kidnappings for ransom if the Colombian government funds a cease-fire.
The Colombian government and the ELN had previously agreed to create a committee to find ways to finance peace talks and the current cease-fire.
The ELN is currently holding at least 38 hostages, according to Colombia's Defense Ministry.
Peace talks between the government and the ELN began in November 2022, resulting in a six-month cease-fire that ends on January 30, 2024.
In October, the ELN kidnapped the parents of soccer star Luis Díaz, causing national outrage and increased pressure on the rebel group to stop kidnappings.