Mains 2016: Peace in Columbia

Context:

A referendum was held recently in Colombia to ratify the peace process signed by the government of Colombia and FARC rebels. The Colombian people rejected the peace agreement by voting against it.

Background:

• The Colombian Conflict began in the mid 1960s with the creation of many left wing guerrilla groups including Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia in 1964.
• It is a low-intensity asymmetric war between the Colombian government, right wing paramilitary groups, crime syndicates, and left-wing guerrillas.
• The FARC and other guerrilla movements claim to fight for social justice, equality and rights of peasantry.
• The Colombian government claims to fight for order and stability, and seeking to protect the rights and interests of its citizens.
• The paramilitary groups claim to be reacting to perceived threats by guerrilla movements. Both guerrilla and paramilitary groups have been accused of engaging in drug trafficking and terrorism.
• The 52 year old civil war has claimed 220,000 lives and displaced about six million people.
• Colombia is well versed in bringing an end to violent confrontation. It has settled many conflicts (with left wing guerrillas) through negotiations in the past.
  

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The peace process has started between the Colombian government of President Juan Manuel Santos and the FARC in Cuba in 2012. A general agreement for the termination of the conflict and the construction of a stable and lasting peace was signed by representatives of the Colombian government and FARC in august, 2012. The agreement set a roadmap for the initiation of a formal peace process.

With certain ups and downs, the negotiations continued, and a peace accord was signed in 2016. The accord provided for;

1. The disbanding of FARC militants;
2. The rebels to join the political process as a routine political party;
3. Conceding the demand of FARC to address the inequalities in rural areas through development programmes and land distribution;
4. FARC’s dismantling of drug production facilities in areas under its control.
   

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This was a landmark accord that provided an opportunity not just for peace but also for better prospects in the war against drug production and trade in Colombia.

The peace accord was put to referendum on October 2^nd, 2016. It was rejected by the people of Colombia. About 50.23% people were voted against it.

Why Columbian people are opposed to peace?

1. Rebel groups are accused of massacre, trading in illegal drugs and running extortion rackets.
2. Under the terms of current agreement, most of the FARC’s members would be allowed to lead a civilian life.
3. The leadership will be judged in special tribunals with reduced sentences.
4. The main criticism is that “Justice” is being sacrificed for achieving peace.

Way forward:

This was the best opportunity to end the decade long civil war in which both (government’s forces and rebels) have committed terrible crimes. Since the peace agreement of was rejected in the referendum, both sides need to renegotiate the terms of agreements. Colombian government should try to win over the opposition, which would strengthen its appeal to the public for a deal. Having established goodwill and trust over the past four years of negotiations, it is plausible for both sides (government and FARC) to look for a creative diplomatic solution to end the war for good.

References:

1. The elusive peace in Colombia, Opinion, The Hindu
2. The lost opportunity, editorial, The Hindu
3. Why Colombia opposed to peace deal with FARC, Opinion, Al Zazeera
4. Colombia’s long road to peace, Opinion, Al Zazeera
   

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This Article is a part of ForumIAS Mains 2016 Initiative. For a list of all articles that will be published on ForumIAS Portal for Mains visit https://forumias.com/portal/mains2016