Lasting peace with Colombian Guerrillas ‘still in the works’, UN says: Video
Colombia’s journey toward lasting peace is “still in the works” but remains “within reach,” according to Rosemary A. DiCarlo, the UN Undersecretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs.
She spoke during a ceremony in Bogotá’s Bolívar Square marking the eighth anniversary of the peace accord between the Colombian government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC).
The event, attended by Colombian President Gustavo Petro and former FARC leader Rodrigo “Timochenko” Londoño, celebrated progress while acknowledging the challenges that persist, the AFP reports.
DiCarlo expressed optimism about Colombia’s ability to achieve lasting peace. "In Colombia, you are writing a different story, one of expanding peace and inclusion. Comprehensive and lasting peace remains within your reach," she said.
President Gustavo Petro acknowledged that much remains to be done. "The political process has not been vigorous enough to put the peace process into practice," he said, adding that critical elements like agrarian reform are far from complete.
Former FARC commander Rodrigo Londoño urged Petro to push forward. “Mr. President, you signed a peace agreement in 1990. Now you have the responsibility to enforce the 2016 peace agreement. Count on us,” Londoño said.
Although the 2016 peace agreement has reduced overall violence, at least 1.5 million people have been displaced since its signing, according to the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC). Dissident groups, the National Liberation Army (ELN), and criminal organizations like the Clan del Golfo continue to fuel conflict in some regions.
