The Colombian government has initiated peace talks with the ACSN, marking progress in President Gustavo Petro’s “Total Peace” initiative. The formal negotiations aim to disarm the group and reintegrate its members. Local authorities and the ACSN welcome the dialogue, emphasizing the need for sustained peace amid ongoing violence and human rights concerns.
The Colombian government has officially initiated peace talks with the Self-Defense Forces of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta (ACSN), signifying a notable advancement in President Gustavo Petro’s “Total Peace” initiative. Celebrated by regional leaders and government officials, this initiative may pave the way for the demobilization of one of the significant armed factions in Colombia’s Caribbean region.
The announcement, made this past weekend, revealed the establishment of a socio-legal dialogue table with the ACSN. This group, operating in the Sierra Nevada mountains, has expressed eagerness to negotiate disarmament in exchange for peace and reintegration into society, marking a crucial step in the peace process.
Óscar Mauricio Silva, the government’s official representative at the peace talks, declared that the exploratory phase is concluded and formal negotiations will now commence. These discussions will concentrate on dismantling the criminal activities of the ACSN and detailing plans for reintegration. Silva reiterated the government’s commitment to implementing the peace framework established by President Petro’s resolution last August.
“This is a crucial step in the ongoing effort to achieve peace in Colombia,” Silva stated. “We are ready to engage in dialogue and work together with the ACSN to create sustainable solutions for the region.” However, these negotiations arise amid a tumultuous security landscape, with authorities linking the ACSN to drug trafficking, extortion, and violence against local communities.
The ACSN expressed its gratitude to the government for initiating talks through a statement on social media. Their leadership has confirmed their readiness to engage in negotiations, emphasizing, “We are prepared to start the dialogues.” Such expressions of commitment were echoed by local authorities, including Jennifer Del Toro, who stressed the region’s dedication to peace and support for any resulting investments.
Amid increasing scrutiny of human rights violations, including the forced recruitment of minors by armed groups, the peace talks are timely. Del Toro remarked, “It is critical that we work together to protect the most vulnerable members of our society, especially the children who have been exploited and recruited by armed groups.” The ACSN has a history of engaging in organized crime, affecting local businesses.
In a rare public statement, paramilitary leader José Luis Pérez confirmed their group’s commitment to peace, asserting, “If the laws are quickly passed with guarantees for us, we are willing to give up our weapons.” He also entertained the prospect of a truce with the Clan del Golfo to reduce violence. This could stabilize areas plagued by crime and violence.
As peace talks commence with the ACSN, the National Liberation Army (ELN) guerrilla group intensifies its control in several regions. With illegal armed groups reportedly affecting over 70% of the Colombian territory, the urgency for a robust agreement grows. This is particularly pressing given the considerable displacement of individuals in affected areas such as Catatumbo and Chocó.
Moving forward, the next months are pivotal as the Petro administration and the ACSN aim to forge a lasting peace agreement. Such efforts could yield stability for the Sierra Nevada region, which has endured a prolonged internal conflict, particularly impacting the indigenous populations.
The commencement of peace talks between the Colombian government and the ACSN represents a significant effort to dismantle armed conflict in the Caribbean region. This initiative seeks to promote dialogue and compromise, fostering dialogue to reintegrate former combatants into society. Success in these negotiations is crucial not only for enhancing security but also for addressing pressing human rights challenges faced by vulnerable communities in Colombia.
Original Source: thecitypaperbogota.com
