Colombia ends peace talks with armed groups, abandons ‘Total Peace’ strategy

According to the Saudi Gazette, Colombian President Abelardo De La Espriella has formally ended all peace negotiations with illegal armed groups, marking a significant departure from the 'Total Peace' strategy previously championed by his predecessor, Gustavo Petro. The administration announced on Friday that it has revoked the credentials of government representatives and negotiators who were involved in ongoing dialogue processes.

The policy shift impacts negotiations with several prominent armed factions, including the National Liberation Army (ELN), various FARC dissident groups, and the Clan del Golfo cartel. Additionally, the government has ended dialogue mechanisms with urban criminal organizations operating in major cities such as Medellin, Buenaventura, and Quibdo. In a statement, the presidency characterized these previous efforts as 'false peace' and declared that the state would no longer grant political recognition or judicial leniency to members of these groups.

President De La Espriella indicated that his administration intends to pivot toward a more robust security-focused policy to address the country's internal conflict. The move represents a major change in Colombia's approach to domestic stability, signaling a move away from the negotiated settlements that defined the previous administration's tenure. Further details regarding the implementation of this new security framework are expected to be released by the government in the coming days.