Colombia peace talks

The unilateral ceasefire announced by the Colombian guerrilla group at the start of peace talks with the government is a shrewd move from a rebel organization with very little political credibility.

There is no doubt that the ceasefire is always welcome by peace lovers. But during half a century of military conflict, there has been a long history of violence, kidnappings, drug trafficking and failed peace attempts.

Given the outlook, the administration of President Juan Manuel Santos is right in being cautious to avoid the temptation of imitating the action of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC).

In 1999, during the third and latest ceasefire between both sides, the FARC took advantage of the opportunity to gain ground and continue the kidnappings and extortions. The guerrillas themselves have at times referred to the advantages of the “reinforcement” during truces. It is no coincidence that in northern Cauca, where the guerrillas operate, the area’s indigenous leaders are very distrustful of this ceasefire.

On the other hand, the FARC is weakened coming into the talks, unlike during other negotiations. The government decimated its historical leadership, while the number of troops has decreased and they have no popular support. For some time, they have unsuccessfully tried to achieve a ceasefire with the government, until they finally decided to do it unilaterally because of peace negotiations.

Given all that, the claim that the FARC is offering peace to heed “the clamor for peace from Colombians” simply looks like an attempt to get people on their side and put pressure on the government. They apparently have not realized that Colombians turned their back on them a long time ago.

At any rate, what can be expected is for the current process to be successful and lead to national reconciliation, where weapons are replaced by votes. For that, what is needed is the will of the government, the guerrillas and the paramilitaries. This is a long road with obstacles created by decades of war, but the only solution is peace. Hopefully, the meetings in Havana will be the beginning.