Mission Extended Until October 2027

The United Nations Security Council has unanimously renewed the mandate of the UN Verification Mission in Colombia for another year, extending its operations until 31 October 2027.

The decision, adopted through Resolution 2833 (2026) on 30 October, reaffirms the international community’s continued involvement in Colombia’s peace process, nearly a decade after the country signed its historic 2016 peace agreement with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC-EP).

The renewed mandate places particular emphasis on verifying the reintegration of former combatants into civilian life and monitoring personal and collective security guarantees for former fighters and conflict-affected communities.

A More Focused Role for the UN Mission

The revised mandate reflects Colombia’s request for a narrower role for the international mission. Under the changes, the mission will concentrate on security and reintegration commitments, while responsibility for advancing comprehensive rural reform will rest with Colombia’s domestic institutions.

The Colombian government has argued that land policy, rural development and related reforms should be managed through national institutions and long-term domestic plans.

The adjustment has generated wider discussion among Security Council members about how to maintain international oversight while respecting national ownership of the peace agreement’s implementation.

Security Challenges Continue Despite Peace Agreement

Although the 2016 agreement ended the country’s largest insurgency, violence and insecurity remain serious challenges in several regions. Armed groups, illicit economies and threats against communities continue to complicate efforts to establish lasting peace.

The United Kingdom, which supported the resolution, highlighted that more than 11,000 former combatants remain demobilised and committed to the agreement. It also stressed that protecting the progress achieved through the peace deal and responding to current security threats must go hand in hand.

The UN mission’s continued presence is considered important for credible verification and engagement with communities in areas affected by conflict.

Colombia’s Peace Process Enters a Critical Phase

The mandate renewal comes as Colombia approaches the tenth anniversary of the 2016 peace agreement. The milestone offers an opportunity to assess the progress made in disarmament and reintegration, while recognising the difficulties that remain in delivering security, justice and development.

The Security Council’s decision signals continued international support, but the narrower mandate also places greater responsibility on Colombian institutions to advance reforms beyond the mission’s revised verification role.

The coming year will be important in determining whether stronger security guarantees and the reintegration of former combatants can help consolidate peace and reduce the risk of renewed violence.