The international community recently affirmed that it will always stand side by side with Colombia on its journey to find peace and stability, however the South American country’s path is still arduous.
As an important "catalyst" to help accelerate the peace process in Colombia, the international community has always expressed strong support for goodwill from the parties in dialogue and has provided necessary support.
Recently, Cuba agreed to accompany the peace dialogue process between the Colombian Government and the Segunda Marquetalia — one of the largest factions within the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) dissidents.
According to the Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the government of Colombian President Gustavo Petro and the Segunda Marquetalia, headed by Ivan Marquez, signed an agreement to launch a peace process and asked Cuba for support. Over the years, Cuba has repeatedly organised negotiations to end the conflict in Colombia, demonstrating its role as a bridge for peace for this South American country.
The United Nations Security Council not long ago also issued a statement reaffirming its full and absolute support for the peace process in Colombia. The United Nations Security Council passed Resolution 2694 on expanding the mandate of the UN Verification Mission in Colombia, authorising the addition of up to 68 international observers to the mission as well as “an appropriate civilian component taking into account existing resources where possible”.
Long-term peace and stability is the common wish of not only the Colombian people but also the international community. Since taking office in 2022, Colombian President Gustavo Petro has continuously conducted dialogues with armed groups, including the National Liberation Army (ELN), Estado Mayor Central (EMC), and the FARC.
Many substantive results have been achieved. The Colombian government and the ELN armed group recently reached an agreement to extend the bilateral ceasefire for a further six months, just minutes before the ceasefire agreement expired on January 29, 2024.
ELN pledged that said it will “unilaterally and temporarily suspend economic detentions" during the ceasefire period. This is an unprecedented decision by this armed group. Meanwhile, the EMC armed group said it has asked its forces to stop attacking security forces throughout Colombia to create conditions for peace talks.
ELN pledged that said it will “unilaterally and temporarily suspend economic detentions" during the ceasefire period.
However, the journey to find peace in the South American country still has many difficulties. Social activist Andres Chica in the Cordoba region said that the peace process initiated by Colombian President Gustavo Petro is facing obstacles, with armed groups taking advantage of the ceasefire with the government to expand their influence, occupy more areas, and recruit new members.
In fact, violence in Colombia is currently on the rise. In addition, although rebel groups have agreed on a ceasefire agreement with the Colombian Government, the question of whether the parties can seriously and responsibly implement the agreement is also an issue. The ELN recently announced an “indefinite armed offensive” in an impoverished region in northwestern Colombia, despite a bilateral ceasefire agreement that was recently reached with the government.
The Colombian government also needs to further strengthen the fight against drug crime, which is pushing people into a spiral of instability and danger and seriously affecting the national security situation.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro announced a new national strategy on drug prevention to be implemented until 2033, which prioritises helping people quit illegal economic activities to switch to legal economic activities, manage the environment, and improve community health.
Despite many obstacles, the Colombian government still strives to seek dialogue with armed groups and implement economic development policies and repel violence. The help and companionship of the international community is the driving force that helps Colombian leaders continue to persevere on the arduous journey towards lasting peace for this South American country.
