Colombia Launches Peace Talks with Largest Group of Ex-FARC Rebels, Signs 3-Month Ceasefire
Colombia has declared a three-month ceasefire with the largest group of former FARC rebels who have become dissidents, marking the formal start of peace talks to end their involvement in the nearly six-decade-long internal armed conflict. SCHNEYDER MENDOZA/AFP via Getty Images

Colombia President Gustavo Petro initiated a crucial step towards pacifying rural areas and bolstering his political standing ahead of regional elections at the end of October, AP reports.

On Monday, Colombia and the rebel group known as FARC-EMC signed a three-month ceasefire agreement and formally commenced peace talks.

The signing event took place in Tibu, a town near the Colombia-Venezuela border, where both parties agreed to halt attacks on civilians and establish a monitoring group that may include United Nations personnel to oversee the ceasefire.

Camilo Gonzalez, the government's lead negotiator, emphasized the significance of these peace talks in a world plagued by conflicts, saying, "Peace today seems to have been eclipsed when sirens, bombs, shouts of pain and desperation can be heard in places like the Middle East, Europe, or sub-Saharan Africa. These peace talks (in Colombia) are a bet on life and freedom."

FARC-EMC, currently Colombia's third-largest armed group with around 3,500 members, is led by left-wing guerrilla fighters who chose not to participate in the 2016 peace agreement between the Colombian government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), in which more than 12,000 rebels surrendered their weapons.

Colombia-FARC Ceasefire

The ceasefire with FARC-EMC, known as Estado Mayor Central (EMC), is effective from Tuesday until January 15 next year, according to Reuters.

Danilo Rueda, the government's high peace commissioner, acknowledged the urgency of the situation, stating, "We have three months to win the hearts of many skeptical Colombians who are questioning this process of building peace."

While the reason for the shorter ceasefire duration, compared to the initially suggested 10 months, was not disclosed, authorities expressed the hope of extending the ceasefire beyond the current deadline.

Gonzales highlighted the importance of proceeding with partial, immediate agreements that benefit local communities and pave the way for broader changes.

Andrey Avendaño, an EMC delegate, ratified the agreement and called for social-economic and environmental safeguards, emphasizing the opportunity for "timely and viable solutions for all Colombian society."

President Gustavo Petro's administration is actively pursuing peace with various armed groups, including Segunda Marquetalia, another FARC dissident group. They are also in peace talks with the National Liberation Army (ELN), a different rebel organization that began a six-month ceasefire in August.

The Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia

The Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), once the largest guerrilla group in Colombia, engaged in almost a six-decade-long insurgency, financing their activities through activities like kidnapping, extortion, and participation in the drug trade. However, they agreed to end their conflict with the government in August 2016 as part of a peace process that started in 2012, InSight Crime noted.

Although the Colombian government, with significant U.S. assistance, attempted to combat the FARC, the group continued to operate in various regions.

Today, the FARC is estimated to have approximately 8,000 members, with their tactics evolving to adapt to changing circumstances. They have shifted from territorial control to guerrilla warfare, urban networks, and political engagement.

These peace talks with FARC-EMC represent a significant step toward furthering the peace process in Colombia.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

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