Colombia: Peace at Last?

“We are adversaries, but today we advance in the same direction, the most noble direction of any society, which is peace.” – Juan Manuel Santos

The present Colombian government of Juan Manuel Santos could make history as he closes to reach a peace deal with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) since the talks began in 2012. This negotiation process is of great relevance considering that the armed conflict between the government and FARC has been raging on since the early 1960’s, causing over 220,000 civilian and military deaths and millions of displaced people. Today, FARC has confirmed to be a territorially consolidated force, blamed for acting in terrorist attempts and kidnappings, which have left a mark in Colombian society.

As it was to be expected, the peace negotiation process has stirred discontent in the Colombian opposition, chiefly from former president Alvaro Uribe, who has condemned his successor’s strategy aimed at dissolving the armed group in exchange for the social and political integration of the rebels. Uribe claims that talks indicate only a way of ‘surrendering to tyranny’. FARC leaders and the government agreed on a framework for punishing only some ‘guerillero’ commanders, and to give only partial sentencing or amnesty to those rebels that decide to confess their actions.

Criticism aside, the prospects of reaching peace with FARC would have a defining impact on the social landscape of Colombia. Currently, there are large rural areas, such as Chauco and Cauca provinces, in which FARC is present with infrastructure and education, simply where government investment do not arrive, leaving local population with little hope. It is also known that FARC, to finance its guerilla force, takes part in Colombia’s nation-wide problem of illegal drug trafficking. Peace negotiations look forward to dismantle these activities in return for land reform and the provision of farmer’s social development.

Finding a solution with the militia is a complex process. However, the new line of ‘compromise’ seems from this point on, the way to go, especially if we consider that all previous attempts to undermine FARC through military intimidation have failed, leading only to greater political confrontation, a deterioration of Colombian social fabric and generally amplified the climate of distrust.

A definitive settlement with FARC insurgents, which they seem to willingly accept by March of 2016, would allow government security forces to re-direct their efforts to protect the civilian population rather than spending money and live on a protracted battle that nobody can win. The key step in this direction has been seen when President Santos and FARC leaders met in Havana recently, with the endorsement of the United States.

A cura di Giorgio Trichilo