Cómo surgieron las guerrillas en Colombia y por qué esta vez un acuerdo sí podría ser posible

Summary

Colombia is once again engaging in peace talks with the National Liberation Army (ELN), a group that has been active for decades. After the 2016 peace agreement with the FARC, negotiations with the ELN stalled but were revived under President Gustavo Petro. This new process is unique, aiming for a ceasefire and multilateral negotiations, with right-wing opposition members joining the discussions. Historical factors like inequality, political exclusion, and drug trafficking have contributed to the rise of guerrilla groups in Colombia. Despite challenges, there is hope that this peace process will finally bring an end to the long-standing conflict.

Takeaways

• 😀 Colombia's peace process is currently being revisited after years of inactivity, with new efforts aimed at negotiating peace with armed groups like the ELN (National Liberation Army).
• 😀 The peace agreement with the FARC in 2016 marked progress, but Colombia still faces challenges due to the presence of multiple active armed groups, including the ELN.
• 😀 Historical factors such as inequality, political exclusion, and the rise of drug trafficking contributed to the creation of armed guerrilla groups in Colombia.
• 😀 The ELN was founded by university students inspired by the Cuban Revolution, while the FARC originated from the peasantry and adhered to Marxist-Leninist ideology.
• 😀 The FARC's success in negotiating peace was partly due to its ability to expand rapidly and align with the drug trade, giving it significant resources during the 1990s and 2000s.
• 😀 The ELN, in contrast, has fewer resources and operates more like a federation, making it harder for the group to reach consensus and organize effectively.
• 😀 The ELN's current membership is significantly smaller than the FARC's at its peak, with around 2,500 members today.
• 😀 The Colombian government under President Gustavo Petro has resumed peace talks with the ELN, aiming for a bilateral ceasefire and negotiations that involve all armed groups simultaneously.
• 😀 A key novelty in the peace process with the ELN is the inclusion of right-wing opposition representatives at the negotiation table, reflecting a broader political consensus for peace.
• 😀 There are mixed opinions about the success of these talks, with some fearing a lack of trust between the parties, while others remain optimistic that Colombia could finally end its prolonged conflict and violence.

Q & A

What historical factors contributed to the emergence of guerrilla groups in Colombia?

The historical factors that contributed to the emergence of guerrilla groups in Colombia include inequality between the elite and working classes, political exclusion of groups like intellectuals, students, and indigenous people, and the rise of narcotrafficking and narco-terrorism.

What is the difference between the FARC and the ELN?

Both the FARC and the ELN are left-wing guerrilla groups, but the FARC originated from the campesinado (peasantry) and followed a Marxist-Leninist ideology, whereas the ELN was founded by university students inspired by the Cuban revolution and primarily opposes multinational corporations.

Why did peace talks with the ELN fail in 2019?

Peace talks with the ELN were suspended by the government of Iván Duque in 2019 after a bombing at a police academy in Bogotá, which was attributed to the ELN.

How did the election of Gustavo Petro impact the peace process with the ELN?

With Gustavo Petro's election as president, the peace process with the ELN was reinitiated, and the Colombian government resumed negotiations in 2021 with the involvement of Venezuela, Cuba, and Norway as mediators.

What are the main reasons peace negotiations with the FARC were successful compared to the ELN?

The success of the FARC negotiations was partly due to the FARC's more centralized structure, which made it easier to reach consensus. Additionally, the FARC had more resources, particularly from its involvement in the narcotics trade, which gave them greater leverage in negotiations.

How did the FARC expand during the 1970s and 1980s?

During the 1970s and 1980s, the FARC expanded significantly by adopting a strategy of creating new fronts, a strategy known as 'reproduction of fronts,' which led to an unprecedented growth in their numbers and influence.

What is the significance of the 2016 peace agreement with the FARC?

The 2016 peace agreement with the FARC was a landmark moment, as it ended more than five decades of conflict between the Colombian government and the FARC, marking a significant step towards peace, though the ELN negotiations were still ongoing.

What is the proposed approach to peace with the ELN under President Petro?

Under President Petro, the government has proposed a multilateral ceasefire, where all armed groups, including the ELN, are invited to negotiate with the state simultaneously, without preconditions. This is a significant departure from previous negotiations, which were conducted amid ongoing conflict.

How is the right-wing opposition involved in the peace talks with the ELN?

In a new approach, the right-wing opposition, particularly represented by José Félix Lafaurie, president of the Colombian livestock association, has been included in the peace talks with the ELN. This marks a shift, as previously the right-wing was strongly opposed to peace talks, especially those with the FARC.

What are the main challenges facing the peace negotiations with the ELN?

The main challenges include deep distrust between the Colombian government and the ELN, as well as the group's decentralized structure, which makes it difficult to reach consensus. Additionally, there are concerns about how to integrate all armed groups into the negotiations while ensuring lasting peace.