Elizabeth Dickinson
@dickinsonbeth.bsky.social
Deputy Director for Latin America @crisisgroup.org. Past lives in the Arabian Peninsula and West Africa. Ex-journo, @economist.com @foreignpolicy.com. Runner.
Reposted by Elizabeth Dickinson
Hoy en día es imposible hablar de la naturaleza del conflicto armado en Colombia sin comprender que hay niños y niñas que se ven obligados a participar en todas sus facetas.
🧵de @dickinsonbeth.bsky.social sobre nuestro nuevo informe acerca del reclutamiento infantil.
🧵de @dickinsonbeth.bsky.social sobre nuestro nuevo informe acerca del reclutamiento infantil.
Today in Colombia, it is impossible to talk about the nature of armed conflict without understanding that there are children being forced to participate in every part of it
🧵on our new @crisisgroup.org report & how generalized child recruitment has become
www.crisisgroup.org/brf/latin-am...
🧵on our new @crisisgroup.org report & how generalized child recruitment has become
www.crisisgroup.org/brf/latin-am...
Kids on the Front Lines: Stopping Child Recruitment in Colombia | International Crisis Group
Colombia’s armed and criminal groups have recruited hundreds of children into their ranks, inflicting enormous harm on minors, their families and communities. The government and international partners...
www.crisisgroup.org
February 13, 2026 at 8:24 PM
Hoy en día es imposible hablar de la naturaleza del conflicto armado en Colombia sin comprender que hay niños y niñas que se ven obligados a participar en todas sus facetas.
🧵de @dickinsonbeth.bsky.social sobre nuestro nuevo informe acerca del reclutamiento infantil.
🧵de @dickinsonbeth.bsky.social sobre nuestro nuevo informe acerca del reclutamiento infantil.
Para reclutar niños y niñas, los grupos armados y criminales se han vuelto expertos en tejer mitos en torno a sus operaciones.
Los niños, atraídos por dinero fácil; las niñas, por la ilusión de escapar violencia doméstica.
Así se nos explicó un niño👇
www.crisisgroup.org/es/brf/latin...
Los niños, atraídos por dinero fácil; las niñas, por la ilusión de escapar violencia doméstica.
Así se nos explicó un niño👇
www.crisisgroup.org/es/brf/latin...
February 13, 2026 at 6:40 PM
Para reclutar niños y niñas, los grupos armados y criminales se han vuelto expertos en tejer mitos en torno a sus operaciones.
Los niños, atraídos por dinero fácil; las niñas, por la ilusión de escapar violencia doméstica.
Así se nos explicó un niño👇
www.crisisgroup.org/es/brf/latin...
Los niños, atraídos por dinero fácil; las niñas, por la ilusión de escapar violencia doméstica.
Así se nos explicó un niño👇
www.crisisgroup.org/es/brf/latin...
Today in Colombia, it is impossible to talk about the nature of armed conflict without understanding that there are children being forced to participate in every part of it
🧵on our new @crisisgroup.org report & how generalized child recruitment has become
www.crisisgroup.org/brf/latin-am...
🧵on our new @crisisgroup.org report & how generalized child recruitment has become
www.crisisgroup.org/brf/latin-am...
Kids on the Front Lines: Stopping Child Recruitment in Colombia | International Crisis Group
Colombia’s armed and criminal groups have recruited hundreds of children into their ranks, inflicting enormous harm on minors, their families and communities. The government and international partners...
www.crisisgroup.org
February 12, 2026 at 5:06 PM
Today in Colombia, it is impossible to talk about the nature of armed conflict without understanding that there are children being forced to participate in every part of it
🧵on our new @crisisgroup.org report & how generalized child recruitment has become
www.crisisgroup.org/brf/latin-am...
🧵on our new @crisisgroup.org report & how generalized child recruitment has become
www.crisisgroup.org/brf/latin-am...
Reposted by Elizabeth Dickinson
"Cada niño que protegemos de ser reclutado es un paso hacia el debilitamiento de un conflicto cuyo costo lo paga la población más vulnerable."
✍️ @dickinsonbeth.bsky.social en @elpaisamerica.bsky.social
✍️ @dickinsonbeth.bsky.social en @elpaisamerica.bsky.social
Colombia está perdiendo a sus niños en la guerra
El uso de niños combatientes es tanto una consecuencia de la evolución del conflicto como un factor que acelera esas dinámicas
elpais.com
February 12, 2026 at 1:34 PM
"Cada niño que protegemos de ser reclutado es un paso hacia el debilitamiento de un conflicto cuyo costo lo paga la población más vulnerable."
✍️ @dickinsonbeth.bsky.social en @elpaisamerica.bsky.social
✍️ @dickinsonbeth.bsky.social en @elpaisamerica.bsky.social
Hoy no se puede hablar de la naturaleza del conflicto armado en #Colombia sin reconocer que hay niños y niñas obligados a participar en todas sus dimensiones.
Hoy, escribo en @elpaisamerica.bsky.social sobre el reclutamiento de menores @latam.crisisgroup.org
elpais.com/america-colo...
Hoy, escribo en @elpaisamerica.bsky.social sobre el reclutamiento de menores @latam.crisisgroup.org
elpais.com/america-colo...
Colombia está perdiendo a sus niños en la guerra
El uso de niños combatientes es tanto una consecuencia de la evolución del conflicto como un factor que acelera esas dinámicas
elpais.com
February 12, 2026 at 12:44 PM
Hoy no se puede hablar de la naturaleza del conflicto armado en #Colombia sin reconocer que hay niños y niñas obligados a participar en todas sus dimensiones.
Hoy, escribo en @elpaisamerica.bsky.social sobre el reclutamiento de menores @latam.crisisgroup.org
elpais.com/america-colo...
Hoy, escribo en @elpaisamerica.bsky.social sobre el reclutamiento de menores @latam.crisisgroup.org
elpais.com/america-colo...
#Colombia's Armed groups systematically recruit children, who they force to fill the most dangerous roles.
In our @crisisgroup.org report, we document how these criminal recruitment networks lure children from home and sell them to the highest armed bidders
www.crisisgroup.org/brf/latin-am...
In our @crisisgroup.org report, we document how these criminal recruitment networks lure children from home and sell them to the highest armed bidders
www.crisisgroup.org/brf/latin-am...
Kids on the Front Lines: Stopping Child Recruitment in Colombia | International Crisis Group
Colombia’s armed and criminal groups have recruited hundreds of children into their ranks, inflicting enormous harm on minors, their families and communities. The government and international partners...
www.crisisgroup.org
February 12, 2026 at 12:37 PM
#Colombia's Armed groups systematically recruit children, who they force to fill the most dangerous roles.
In our @crisisgroup.org report, we document how these criminal recruitment networks lure children from home and sell them to the highest armed bidders
www.crisisgroup.org/brf/latin-am...
In our @crisisgroup.org report, we document how these criminal recruitment networks lure children from home and sell them to the highest armed bidders
www.crisisgroup.org/brf/latin-am...
Reposted by Elizabeth Dickinson
Violence in Sinaloa hasn’t stopped. In just two weeks: mass kidnappings and overtly political attacks. The MX gov says Chapitos were behind them. On the abduction of 10 miners (at least 5 killed), Sec. Harfuch said it was a case of mistaken identity, Chapitos allegedly thought they were with Mayos.
February 11, 2026 at 6:02 PM
Violence in Sinaloa hasn’t stopped. In just two weeks: mass kidnappings and overtly political attacks. The MX gov says Chapitos were behind them. On the abduction of 10 miners (at least 5 killed), Sec. Harfuch said it was a case of mistaken identity, Chapitos allegedly thought they were with Mayos.
Reposted by Elizabeth Dickinson
1/ ProPublica collected handwritten letters in mid-January from children held at the Dilley Immigration Processing Center, the same facility where 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos was taken.
Hundreds of kids are still detained.
We’ll let the children’s words speak for themselves. 🧵
Hundreds of kids are still detained.
We’ll let the children’s words speak for themselves. 🧵
February 9, 2026 at 12:25 PM
1/ ProPublica collected handwritten letters in mid-January from children held at the Dilley Immigration Processing Center, the same facility where 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos was taken.
Hundreds of kids are still detained.
We’ll let the children’s words speak for themselves. 🧵
Hundreds of kids are still detained.
We’ll let the children’s words speak for themselves. 🧵
This Thursday, our latest from @crisisgroup.org
February 10, 2026 at 3:23 PM
This Thursday, our latest from @crisisgroup.org
I started working on child recruitment in #Colombia by accident, because everywhere I went, the conflict was being reshaped by armed groups' dependence on minors to control territory and silence the communities left behind.
We publish our @crisisgroup.org findings on 12 February
We publish our @crisisgroup.org findings on 12 February
February 5, 2026 at 9:21 PM
I started working on child recruitment in #Colombia by accident, because everywhere I went, the conflict was being reshaped by armed groups' dependence on minors to control territory and silence the communities left behind.
We publish our @crisisgroup.org findings on 12 February
We publish our @crisisgroup.org findings on 12 February
In its latest show of gunboat diplomacy, the US has deployed a guided-missile destroyer to the coast of Haiti just days before the transitional gov's mandate expires.
What is behind the new pressure? My @CrisisGroup colleague @diego_darin explains 👇
www.crisisgroup.org/anb/latin-am...
What is behind the new pressure? My @CrisisGroup colleague @diego_darin explains 👇
www.crisisgroup.org/anb/latin-am...
U.S. Gunboats Patrol Haiti’s Waters amid Wrangling over a New Government | International Crisis Group
Crisis Group expert Diego Da Rin assesses the political deadlock in Haiti and the motives behind the deployment of U.S. naval vessels off Port-au-Prince
www.crisisgroup.org
February 5, 2026 at 5:36 PM
In its latest show of gunboat diplomacy, the US has deployed a guided-missile destroyer to the coast of Haiti just days before the transitional gov's mandate expires.
What is behind the new pressure? My @CrisisGroup colleague @diego_darin explains 👇
www.crisisgroup.org/anb/latin-am...
What is behind the new pressure? My @CrisisGroup colleague @diego_darin explains 👇
www.crisisgroup.org/anb/latin-am...
Reposted by Elizabeth Dickinson
🇺🇸🇨🇴 “Petro and Trump have each found a perfect sparring partner”
On Tuesday’s #Spotlight, @dickinsonbeth.bsky.social breaks down #Petro-#Trump tensions ahead of White House visit.
On Tuesday’s #Spotlight, @dickinsonbeth.bsky.social breaks down #Petro-#Trump tensions ahead of White House visit.
February 3, 2026 at 6:11 PM
🇺🇸🇨🇴 “Petro and Trump have each found a perfect sparring partner”
On Tuesday’s #Spotlight, @dickinsonbeth.bsky.social breaks down #Petro-#Trump tensions ahead of White House visit.
On Tuesday’s #Spotlight, @dickinsonbeth.bsky.social breaks down #Petro-#Trump tensions ahead of White House visit.
Reposted by Elizabeth Dickinson
#Entrevista 🎥 La investigadora @dickinsonbeth.bsky.social explica por qué reconocer este fracaso es clave para pensar alternativas desde los territorios más afectados.
👉 Mira la entrevista completa: youtu.be/pz9R0IfqTvM
#GuerraContraLasDrogas #PolíticaDeDrogas #Violencia
👉 Mira la entrevista completa: youtu.be/pz9R0IfqTvM
#GuerraContraLasDrogas #PolíticaDeDrogas #Violencia
"Guerra contra las drogas": 50 años de una narrativa fallida
YouTube video by Rosalux Andina
youtu.be
February 2, 2026 at 2:33 PM
#Entrevista 🎥 La investigadora @dickinsonbeth.bsky.social explica por qué reconocer este fracaso es clave para pensar alternativas desde los territorios más afectados.
👉 Mira la entrevista completa: youtu.be/pz9R0IfqTvM
#GuerraContraLasDrogas #PolíticaDeDrogas #Violencia
👉 Mira la entrevista completa: youtu.be/pz9R0IfqTvM
#GuerraContraLasDrogas #PolíticaDeDrogas #Violencia
Reposted by Elizabeth Dickinson
#Entrevista 🎥 En este diálogo, la experta @dickinsonbeth.bsky.social de @crisisgroup.org sostiene que insistir en frenar la oferta de drogas es una estrategia fallida. Frente a ello, plantea que los Estados prioricen la protección integral y políticas sociales.
Ver más 📲 f.mtr.cool/opwuazwteq
Ver más 📲 f.mtr.cool/opwuazwteq
January 24, 2026 at 4:21 PM
#Entrevista 🎥 En este diálogo, la experta @dickinsonbeth.bsky.social de @crisisgroup.org sostiene que insistir en frenar la oferta de drogas es una estrategia fallida. Frente a ello, plantea que los Estados prioricen la protección integral y políticas sociales.
Ver más 📲 f.mtr.cool/opwuazwteq
Ver más 📲 f.mtr.cool/opwuazwteq
The ELN has is moving swiftly to guarantee its interest and survival in Venezuela, after US military operations in Caracas.
We write in today's LatAm Advisor, future talks may follow the same logic: a means to survive politically under new Colombian gov
tinyurl.com/2mc5mh7v
We write in today's LatAm Advisor, future talks may follow the same logic: a means to survive politically under new Colombian gov
tinyurl.com/2mc5mh7v
January 22, 2026 at 4:37 PM
The ELN has is moving swiftly to guarantee its interest and survival in Venezuela, after US military operations in Caracas.
We write in today's LatAm Advisor, future talks may follow the same logic: a means to survive politically under new Colombian gov
tinyurl.com/2mc5mh7v
We write in today's LatAm Advisor, future talks may follow the same logic: a means to survive politically under new Colombian gov
tinyurl.com/2mc5mh7v
#Mexico transferred 37 prisoners to the US in a move to quell tensions, as Washington once again threatens strikes on drug trafficking groups
Yet renditions to the US have tended to escalate violence in Mexico. My colleague @dmoravera.bsky.social explains 👇
www.crisisgroup.org/alr/latin-am...
Yet renditions to the US have tended to escalate violence in Mexico. My colleague @dmoravera.bsky.social explains 👇
www.crisisgroup.org/alr/latin-am...
Mexico Seeks to Placate White House with Mass Criminal Transfer | International Crisis Group
Crisis Group expert David Mora assesses the latest handover of convicts and criminal suspects amid threats of U.S. military action on Mexican soil.
www.crisisgroup.org
January 21, 2026 at 10:14 PM
#Mexico transferred 37 prisoners to the US in a move to quell tensions, as Washington once again threatens strikes on drug trafficking groups
Yet renditions to the US have tended to escalate violence in Mexico. My colleague @dmoravera.bsky.social explains 👇
www.crisisgroup.org/alr/latin-am...
Yet renditions to the US have tended to escalate violence in Mexico. My colleague @dmoravera.bsky.social explains 👇
www.crisisgroup.org/alr/latin-am...
Reposted by Elizabeth Dickinson
Sheinbaum just handed over 37 cartel suspects to U.S. custody. After the U.S. attack in Caracas, Mexico needs to deliver clear wins for Trump to further deter any U.S. unilateral military move. This is it. Some quick thoughts from Sinaloa, where I am doing fieldwork this week:
January 20, 2026 at 9:38 PM
Sheinbaum just handed over 37 cartel suspects to U.S. custody. After the U.S. attack in Caracas, Mexico needs to deliver clear wins for Trump to further deter any U.S. unilateral military move. This is it. Some quick thoughts from Sinaloa, where I am doing fieldwork this week:
Antes de la captura de Maduro, el ELN estaba tomando medidas para garantizar la seguridad de sus intereses en las zonas fronterizas, independientemente de lo que ocurriera en Caracas.
Mi columna @crisisgroup.org en @nytimeses.nytimes.com
👇
www.nytimes.com/es/2026/01/1...
Mi columna @crisisgroup.org en @nytimeses.nytimes.com
👇
www.nytimes.com/es/2026/01/1...
Algo malo se gesta en la frontera de Venezuela
www.nytimes.com
January 17, 2026 at 8:57 PM
Antes de la captura de Maduro, el ELN estaba tomando medidas para garantizar la seguridad de sus intereses en las zonas fronterizas, independientemente de lo que ocurriera en Caracas.
Mi columna @crisisgroup.org en @nytimeses.nytimes.com
👇
www.nytimes.com/es/2026/01/1...
Mi columna @crisisgroup.org en @nytimeses.nytimes.com
👇
www.nytimes.com/es/2026/01/1...
Reposted by Elizabeth Dickinson
"The ELN stands emboldened to challenge the authority of the Colombian state—and US ambitions in Venezuela... The ELN’s ranks are filled with skilled guerrilla fighters with deep expertise in improvised explosives..." @dickinsonbeth.bsky.social on blowback to Trump's imperial adventure in Venezuela:
Opinion | Something Bad Is Brewing on Venezuela’s Border
www.nytimes.com
January 15, 2026 at 2:22 AM
"The ELN stands emboldened to challenge the authority of the Colombian state—and US ambitions in Venezuela... The ELN’s ranks are filled with skilled guerrilla fighters with deep expertise in improvised explosives..." @dickinsonbeth.bsky.social on blowback to Trump's imperial adventure in Venezuela:
Reposted by Elizabeth Dickinson
✍️NEW OP-ED | Something Bad Is Brewing on Venezuela’s Border
Colombian leaders have been bracing for the fallout of a U.S. attack against Caracas, fearing violent escalation by armed groups. Those fears seem to be materialising, writes @dickinsonbeth.bsky.social.
www.crisisgroup.org/latin-americ...
Colombian leaders have been bracing for the fallout of a U.S. attack against Caracas, fearing violent escalation by armed groups. Those fears seem to be materialising, writes @dickinsonbeth.bsky.social.
www.crisisgroup.org/latin-americ...
Something Bad Is Brewing on Venezuela’s Border | International Crisis Group
www.crisisgroup.org
January 15, 2026 at 10:12 AM
✍️NEW OP-ED | Something Bad Is Brewing on Venezuela’s Border
Colombian leaders have been bracing for the fallout of a U.S. attack against Caracas, fearing violent escalation by armed groups. Those fears seem to be materialising, writes @dickinsonbeth.bsky.social.
www.crisisgroup.org/latin-americ...
Colombian leaders have been bracing for the fallout of a U.S. attack against Caracas, fearing violent escalation by armed groups. Those fears seem to be materialising, writes @dickinsonbeth.bsky.social.
www.crisisgroup.org/latin-americ...
Colombia spent months contingency planning for a US strike on Venezuela, fearing it could unleash armed group backlash, a humanitarian crisis, or both.
Today along the border, the rapid consolidation of the ELN demonstrates the risk in real time 👇🕊️
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/14/o...
Today along the border, the rapid consolidation of the ELN demonstrates the risk in real time 👇🕊️
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/14/o...
Opinion | Something Bad Is Brewing on Venezuela’s Border
www.nytimes.com
January 14, 2026 at 10:57 PM
Colombia spent months contingency planning for a US strike on Venezuela, fearing it could unleash armed group backlash, a humanitarian crisis, or both.
Today along the border, the rapid consolidation of the ELN demonstrates the risk in real time 👇🕊️
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/14/o...
Today along the border, the rapid consolidation of the ELN demonstrates the risk in real time 👇🕊️
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/14/o...
Reposted by Elizabeth Dickinson
"In advance of Mr. Maduro’s capture, the E.L.N. was taking steps to ensure its interests in the borderlands were safe, regardless of what happened in Caracas. Since mid-December, it has gone on the offensive in the Colombian region of Catatumbo".
✍️ @dickinsonbeth.bsky.social in @nytimes.com
✍️ @dickinsonbeth.bsky.social in @nytimes.com
Opinion | Something Bad Is Brewing on Venezuela’s Border
www.nytimes.com
January 14, 2026 at 4:20 PM
"In advance of Mr. Maduro’s capture, the E.L.N. was taking steps to ensure its interests in the borderlands were safe, regardless of what happened in Caracas. Since mid-December, it has gone on the offensive in the Colombian region of Catatumbo".
✍️ @dickinsonbeth.bsky.social in @nytimes.com
✍️ @dickinsonbeth.bsky.social in @nytimes.com
After US operations in Venezuela, the ELN has taken steps to ensure its interests are safe, regardless what happens in Caracas.
Today I write in @nytopinion.nytimes.com, the ELN stands emboldened to threaten communities, Colombia, and US ambition in Venezuela 👇
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/14/o...
Today I write in @nytopinion.nytimes.com, the ELN stands emboldened to threaten communities, Colombia, and US ambition in Venezuela 👇
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/14/o...
Opinion | Something Bad Is Brewing on Venezuela’s Border
www.nytimes.com
January 14, 2026 at 10:48 AM
After US operations in Venezuela, the ELN has taken steps to ensure its interests are safe, regardless what happens in Caracas.
Today I write in @nytopinion.nytimes.com, the ELN stands emboldened to threaten communities, Colombia, and US ambition in Venezuela 👇
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/14/o...
Today I write in @nytopinion.nytimes.com, the ELN stands emboldened to threaten communities, Colombia, and US ambition in Venezuela 👇
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/14/o...
La operación militar de EEUU ha cambiado las dinámicas del poder en Caracas, pero no ha tratado el conflicto de fondo:
Un gobierno resistente a elecciones y cambio, frente una oposición organizada, exigiendo abrir espacios democráticos.
@latam.crisisgroup.org👇
www.crisisgroup.org/es/latin-ame...
Un gobierno resistente a elecciones y cambio, frente una oposición organizada, exigiendo abrir espacios democráticos.
@latam.crisisgroup.org👇
www.crisisgroup.org/es/latin-ame...
Venezuela después de Maduro: ¿Transacción o transición? | International Crisis Group
La administración Trump ha decapitado al Gobierno venezolano mediante una espectacular incursión militar en la capital y el traslado del presidente Nicolás Maduro a una cárcel estadounidense. Su anunc...
www.crisisgroup.org
January 9, 2026 at 7:07 PM
La operación militar de EEUU ha cambiado las dinámicas del poder en Caracas, pero no ha tratado el conflicto de fondo:
Un gobierno resistente a elecciones y cambio, frente una oposición organizada, exigiendo abrir espacios democráticos.
@latam.crisisgroup.org👇
www.crisisgroup.org/es/latin-ame...
Un gobierno resistente a elecciones y cambio, frente una oposición organizada, exigiendo abrir espacios democráticos.
@latam.crisisgroup.org👇
www.crisisgroup.org/es/latin-ame...
US strikes in #Venezuela have changed the equation of power, but without addressing the fundamental political conflict:
A government whose only red line is change and a fragmented but strong opposition that seeks a democratic opening
Our statement👇
www.crisisgroup.org/latin-americ...
A government whose only red line is change and a fragmented but strong opposition that seeks a democratic opening
Our statement👇
www.crisisgroup.org/latin-americ...
Venezuela after Maduro: Transaction or Transition? | International Crisis Group
The Trump administration has decapitated the Venezuelan government by staging a dramatic military raid on the capital and removing President Nicolás Maduro to a U.S. jail. Its declared plan to “run” t...
www.crisisgroup.org
January 9, 2026 at 2:15 PM
US strikes in #Venezuela have changed the equation of power, but without addressing the fundamental political conflict:
A government whose only red line is change and a fragmented but strong opposition that seeks a democratic opening
Our statement👇
www.crisisgroup.org/latin-americ...
A government whose only red line is change and a fragmented but strong opposition that seeks a democratic opening
Our statement👇
www.crisisgroup.org/latin-americ...