Colombia Initiates Peace Talks with Self-Defense Forces of Sierra Nevada

The Colombian government has commenced peace talks with the ACSN, a paramilitary group, under President Petro’s “Total Peace” initiative. This agreement aims to dismantle criminal activities and reintegrate members into society. Local leaders support the initiative amid ongoing human rights concerns and violence, with the talks representing a crucial effort towards lasting peace in the region.

The Colombian government has officially initiated peace talks with the Self-Defense Forces of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta (ACSN), representing a significant advancement in President Gustavo Petro’s “Total Peace” initiative. This development, greeted with enthusiasm by local leaders and officials, holds the potential for the demobilization of a major armed faction in Colombia’s Caribbean region.

The recent announcement confirms the establishment of a socio-legal dialogue table with the ACSN. The group, active in the Sierra Nevada mountains, has shown readiness to negotiate with the government and consider disarmament in pursuit of peace and societal reintegration.

Óscar Mauricio Silva, the government representative for the peace talks, stated that the exploratory phase of negotiations has concluded, allowing formal discussions to commence. The primary objectives of these negotiations will involve dismantling the ACSN’s criminal operations and facilitating the reintegration of its members into society. Silva reaffirmed the government’s dedication to enacting the peace process initially formulated in a resolution signed by President Petro.

Silva remarked, “This is a crucial step in the ongoing effort to achieve peace in Colombia. We are ready to engage in dialogue and work together with the ACSN to create sustainable solutions for the region.”

These talks occur within a backdrop of security concerns in the Sierra Nevada and nearby areas, where the ACSN has been associated with various criminal activities such as drug trafficking and violent confrontations with communities and rival groups.

Through a statement on X, the ACSN expressed its appreciation towards the Colombian government for initiating the talks and confirmed its readiness to negotiate, asserting, “We are prepared to start the dialogues.”

Local leaders have strongly endorsed the initiative, including Jennifer Del Toro, the high commissioner for peace in Santa Marta. She emphasized the city’s commitment to peace and expressed Mayor Pinedo Cuello’s support for governmental peace efforts and related investments.

The peace negotiations are crucial as Colombia faces escalating human rights violations, particularly involving the recruitment of minors by illegal armed groups and violence against civilians, notably in Norte de Santander and Chocó, leading to the displacement of many communities.

Del Toro highlighted the importance of collective action to safeguard vulnerable populations, particularly children exploited by armed groups.

The ACSN, long active in organized crime, is notorious for its extortion tactics affecting local businesses and its violent territorial control strategies, which have resulted in widespread community displacements.

In a rare public interview, paramilitary leader José Luis Pérez affirmed the group’s commitment to peace, stating, “If the laws are quickly passed with guarantees for us, we are willing to give up our weapons.”

Pérez suggested the possibility of negotiating a truce with the Clan del Golfo, another significant criminal organization, which could help diminish violence in coastal regions. This potential development could play a vital role in stabilizing areas affected by drug-related crime.

The initiation of peace talks with the ACSN coincides with the expanded territorial presence of the National Liberation Army (ELN) guerrilla group, which has intensified insecurity, particularly in departments like Norte de Santander and Chocó, affecting over 55,000 people in the Catatumbo region alone.

The forthcoming months will be pivotal as the Petro administration collaborates with the ACSN to forge a sustainable peace agreement aimed at restoring stability in the Sierra Nevada region and addressing the historical impacts of internal conflict, especially on indigenous communities.

The Colombian government’s initiation of peace talks with the ACSN signifies a vital step in the pursuit of peace under President Petro’s initiative. The negotiations aim to dismantle the group’s criminal activities while encouraging reintegration into society. Community leaders express strong support, highlighting the importance of addressing human rights violations and fostering stability. As these discussions progress, they hold the potential to reshape Colombia’s security landscape positively.

Original Source: thecitypaperbogota.com