CNA Newsroom, Dec 20, 2022 / 16:45 pm
The bishop of Istmina-Tadó, Colombia, Mario Álvarez Gómez, called on the various armed groups in his country to observe a “unilateral cease-fire” to “celebrate Christmas in peace” and commit to the pacification of the country with concrete actions.
The prelate referred to the National Liberation Army (ELN), “the Gaitanista Self-Defense Forces of Colombia, the Mexican Revolutionary Forces, and the RPS-Cartel del Norte Armed Forces,” which operate in the Chocó district, where the Diocese of Istmina-Tadó is located.
The Mexican Revolutionary Forces is a Colombian crime gang that idolizes famous Mexican drug lords.
“A clear sign of sincere desire for peace must be manifested in respect for life; an end to extortion; the disappearance of borders or invisible barriers; [and] the recruitment and exploitation of boys, girls, adolescents, and young people,” Álvarez Gómez said.