Recent negotiations between the Colombian government and the Estado Mayor Central armed group has seen a number of new agreements reached as the two sides continue attempts to find a permanent settlement to end conflict. With the government’s Total Peace flagship policy – that promotes dialogue as the means to end violent conflict – experiencing difficulties in a number of areas, the announcement on 18 October raises hopes of a successful conclusion with the EMC.
Crucially, the latest round of talks established a six-month ceasefire extension from 15 October 2024 to 15 April 2025.
The EMC is led by former members of the FARC guerrilla movement who did not participate in the talks that led to the 2016 peace agreement. However, a recent split saw the EMC break in two, with the blocs known as ‘Jorge Briceño’ and ‘Magdalena Medio’ involved in the current talks, while a faction based in southwest Colombia has remained in armed confrontation with the state. The latter therefore is not party to these negotiations.
The first main point is labelled the ‘Agreement to guarantee the participation of citizens, social [groups] and peoples in the peace process’. This provides for the contribution of civil society in drafting and implementing a final agreement to ensure it meets the needs of the general population, particularly in zones impacted by conflict and state neglect. This has been achieved by holding committees, assemblies and humanitarian commissions in regions such as Caquetá, Antioquia, Bolívar, Meta and Catatumbo, where the EMC has established a foothold since its foundation. More than 15,000 people have already taken part in these forums, who include peasant farmers, indigenous and African-Colombian communities, women’s organisations, young people, conflict victims and former guerrillas. Their input will be critical to consolidating any final agreement.
Secondly, the two negotiating teams have agreed on an ‘action plan for territorial transformations for peace’. This establishes peacebuilding policies in volatile regions, where zones of intervention are identified that require particular attention, including in tackling root causes of conflict. The first region covers the zones of Tibú in Catatumbo, Bajo Cauca in Antioquia and south Bolívar department. The second focuses on San Vicente de Caguán in Caquetá, south Meta department and specific areas of Putumayo. There is also focus on whether specific initiatives can be implemented quickly or whether they will require a medium- or long-term approach.
Other important points of consensus include the need to educate communities on how to avoid landmines and to establish a strategy for their removal, as well as protecting biodiversity and ending resource extraction in protected zones. The rights and legal status of EMC members, particularly those currently in prison, are also addressed.
Advances with the negotiating faction of the EMC bring some respite to Total Peace, after confrontation with the other faction escalated and talks with the National Liberation Army (ELN) guerrilla movement have stalled for the past six months. The pro-peace movement will hope this signals an upturn in one of the government’s flagship policies.