The Gaitanist Army of Colombia (EGC), Colombia’s largest criminal organization, has suspended peace talks in Qatar following President Gustavo Petro’s pledge to target its leader, Jesus Avila Villadiego (alias Chiquito Malo), as part of a campaign against drug trafficking. The EGC’s suspension is temporary, pending clarification from the Petro administration regarding these developments. Meanwhile, Petro’s commitment to collaborate with the U.S. on Chiquito Malo’s capture has raised concerns about the future of his “Total Peace” policy aimed at resolving the country’s long-standing conflict. The EGC’s representatives stated they would resume negotiations if security guarantees and Doha commitments are met.
