BOGOTA — Colombian President Abelardo De La Espriella formally ended all peace negotiations with illegal armed groups on Friday, dismantling the “Total Peace” strategy pursued by his predecessor Gustavo Petro and shifting the country toward a tougher security policy.
De La Espriella signed executive resolutions revoking the credentials of government representatives and negotiators involved in dialogue processes established under the previous administration.
The decision ends negotiating mechanisms with the National Liberation Army (ELN), FARC dissident factions, the Clan del Golfo cartel and urban criminal groups operating in Medellin, Buenaventura and Quibdo.
“The government declares an end to the dialogue processes, the socio-legal forums, and the ‘false peace,’” the presidency said in a statement.
De La Espriella said his administration would neither grant political recognition nor offer judicial leniency to members of illegal armed groups.
The president said more than 7 billion Colombian pesos ($1.7 million) in public funds had been spent solely on fees for spokespersons, representatives and facilitators involved in the negotiations under the previous government.
That figure did not include additional spending on security, travel allowances, designated assembly zones and logistical arrangements required to maintain the dialogue processes, according to the presidency.
De La Espriella argued that the negotiations had failed to weaken armed groups and instead allowed them to strengthen their operations, challenge state authority and continue attacks against civilians and security forces.
He said armed groups now faced two options: voluntarily lay down their weapons and submit to the justice system or face security forces.
“Those who express a genuine willingness to lay down their arms must submit to the justice system; those who persist in committing acts of violence against the civilian population will be confronted with the full legal and legitimate capacity of the public security forces,” he said.
The decision, less than a month after De La Espriella took office, marks a major reversal of Colombia’s security policy, moving away from negotiated settlements with armed groups toward law enforcement and military operations.
Source: Saudi Gazette