In January 2025, intense clashes erupted in Colombia’s Catatumbo region, leading to widespread violence and mass displacement. The ongoing conflict between guerrilla groups and paramilitaries has claimed around 100 lives and forced 50,000 people to flee their homes.
More than a month later, families remain in limbo, unsure of what the future holds. Displaced residents are grappling with the loss of loved ones and the destruction of their communities. Many have sought refuge in overcrowded shelters, while others are staying with relatives in safer areas.
“We left everything behind,” said Maria Fernández, a mother of three who fled her village when the fighting intensified. “We don’t know when we can return or if there will be anything left to return to.”
The Catatumbo region, rich in natural resources and strategically located along the border with Venezuela, has long been a hotspot for armed groups vying for control. Despite government efforts to restore peace, the situation remains volatile.
Humanitarian organizations are calling for immediate support to address the urgent needs of the displaced population. Access to food, clean water, and medical care is limited, and the risk of diseases spreading in crowded conditions is high.
The future of Catatumbo’s displaced families hangs in the balance as they await a resolution to the conflict. For now, uncertainty remains their only certainty.
