Colombian High Commissioner for Peace Ivan Danilo Rueda (left) and Andrey Avendano a member of the central general staff of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc) smile during peace talks in Tibu, Colombia, October 8, 2023
THE Colombian government and a rebel group “bet on life and freedom” as they signed a three-month ceasefire on Monday, formally beginning peace talks.
President Gustavo Petro’s government reached agreement with the rebel group known as Farc-EMC at a signing ceremony that took place in the township of Tibu, near Colombia’s border with Venezuela.
Both sides also agreed to cease attacks on civilians and set up a group that will monitor the ceasefire and could include United Nations personnel.
The disputed election of a far-right president, who is also a US citizen, signals further consolidation of Washington’s regional power and represents a threat to the country’s democracy and sovereignty, writes WT WHITNEY JNR
With Petro, Colombia has been making huge strides towards peace — but is all that at risk with the elections next year? MARK ROWE reports back after joining a delegation to the Latin American country
