Left wing FARC-Rebels reach cease-fire deal with Colombian government

„Today is the last day of the war“: This message almost did not reach the rest of the world because of the heated Brexit-discussion. With these words the president of Colombia, Juan Manuel Santos, signed a historic ceasefire deal to end the 50-year conflict with the oldest active Guerilla-organisation in the world, the FARC (Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia - Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia). Since 1964 the civilwar caused more than 250.000 deaths and the displacement of more than 6 million people. The ceremony that took place in Havanna/Cuba was attended by Ban Ki-moon, the UN secretary-general. 

A final peace deal is expected to be signed within the next months – some insiders say that it could be on Colombia’s independence day, 20th of  July.  Following the compromise on 23rd of June one of the most contentious issues on the agenda is the demobilization of 7.000 Farc soldiers, who have their bases in the mountains and forests of Colombia. Before the cease fire deal the two parties have reached agreements on all topics of the negotiation. That included rural development, rebel participation in politics, policies for combating drug trafficking, an agreement on transitional justice measures related to the conflict and the reparation for victims.

At the same day of the agreement we were able to talk to some random Colombians at the Plaza Bolivar, the central square of Bogota. The people seemed to be happy but at the same time very critical: “The conflict is too complex as it could be ended with just two signatures on a piece of paper” said one person.  “Who knows if this agreement will finally bring us peace we want. Now the really hard work starts”.

We keep you updated about the latest information on the peace negotiations in Colombia.