Cneb negotiator urges President De la Espriella to resume peace talks

José Vicente Lesmes, known as ‘Walter Mendoza’, a lead negotiator for the Coordinadora Nacional Ejército Bolivariano (Cneb), has formally requested that President Abelardo de la Espriella resume peace negotiations. The request follows the government's decision to dismantle dialogue spaces with the group in late August 2026.

In a letter addressed to the President, Lesmes expressed belief that dialogue, truth, reparation, and reconciliation are essential to achieving stability and security in conflict-affected territories and areas with illicit crops. The Cneb presented eight specific demands, including the designation of a government commission to establish communication channels, the creation of an agenda to protect civilian populations, and the inclusion of mechanisms for justice, reintegration, and social programs for youth.

The group's request comes amid recent government actions, including the authorization of the extradition of Geovany Andrés Rojas, alias ‘Araña’, a leader of the Comandos de la Frontera (affiliated with Cneb), along with four other leaders. These extradition requests had previously been postponed during the peace processes held under the previous administration.