Colombian leader Gómez-Suárez is advocating for a regional approach to solving the country’s conflict, drawing a contrast to the nationwide peace deal signed with the FARC in 2016. Under his leadership, negotiations with the Comuneros del Sur have seen more efficiency and progress, with a unilateral ceasefire proposed even before official meetings began. Two agreements have been signed, including a bilateral ceasefire and plans for the group’s transition to civilian life by 2026. The agreements also focus on removing landmines, ensuring safety for the Red Cross, and creating a team to search for missing individuals. In return, the government has promised funding for infrastructure projects to address poverty and development needs in the region. Gómez-Suárez believes that a region-specific approach can lead to quicker and more effective solutions to conflict, as demonstrated by the progress made with the Comuneros del Sur negotiations. The hope is that this model can serve as a successful blueprint for addressing and resolving conflicts in other regions of Colombia as well.
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Photo credit www.aljazeera.com
Is Colombia’s peace achievable through negotiations with the Comuneros del Sur? | Conflict News
