Colombia: Former President Urges New Government to Fully Implement FARC Peace Accord
Colombia’s political debate over the country’s long-running internal conflict has intensified after former President Juan Manuel Santos urged newly elected President Abelardo De La Espriella to fully implement the 2016 peace agreement with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC).
Santos, who negotiated the landmark agreement and received the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts, said full implementation could help address some of Colombia’s persistent challenges, including rural poverty, drug trafficking and insecurity in remote regions.
The appeal comes as Colombia prepares for a political transition under De La Espriella, a right-wing lawyer who has previously criticised parts of the peace agreement, particularly the Special Jurisdiction for Peace (JEP). He has indicated that his administration would take a stricter approach to implementing the agreement rather than simply abandoning it.
The 2016 accord formally ended decades of conflict between the Colombian government and the FARC guerrilla movement. However, implementation has remained uneven, with financial constraints, political disagreements and continuing violence involving other armed groups creating major obstacles.
Santos argued that completing the agreement could provide a foundation for greater national unity. He also criticised previous administrations for failing to make sufficient progress in implementing its provisions.
Colombia continues to face challenges from armed organisations and drug-trafficking networks in several regions. The incoming government will therefore face pressure to balance security operations with development programmes and commitments made under the peace agreement.
The debate could become an important early test of De La Espriella’s approach to security, rural development and reconciliation as his administration begins setting its national priorities.
