Colombia's Revised Peace Deal with FARC Signed
A revised peace agreement between the Colombian government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia–People's Army (FARC) was signed, aiming to end a five-decade-long civil conflict. This followed a previous deal, rejected by the electorate, which saw significant negotiations and adjustments to address public concerns. The signing marked a commitment to peace and a pathway for former insurgents to reintegrate into society.
Revised peace agreement after referendum rejection.
End of conflict lasting over 50 years.
Key leaders: Juan Manuel Santos and Timochenko.
Focus on transitional justice and land reform.
What Happened?
The Colombian government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia–People's Army (FARC) reached a critical juncture in their decades-long conflict when they signed a revised peace agreement. The initial peace deal, negotiated over four years and signed in September 2016, was put to a national referendum, where it was unexpectedly rejected by a narrow margin of votes. This rejection prompted both parties to return to the negotiating table to address the concerns raised by the voters, leading to a reworked agreement that included modifications regarding transitional justice, land reform, and political participation for former guerrillas. On this day in November, Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos and FARC leader Rodrigo Londoño, also known as 'Timochenko', formalized their commitment to finalize the peace process, signaling a historic step towards ending more than 50 years of armed conflict, which led to the deaths of over 200,000 people and displaced millions.
Why Does it Matter?
The signing of the revised peace deal is particularly interesting as it not only marked the official cessation of hostilities but also set the stage for a broader reconciliation process in Colombia. This agreement opens doors for social and political transformations in a country long marred by violence. It serves as a case study for conflict resolution globally and emphasizes the importance of including citizen perspectives in peace negotiations.