The flagship Total Peace policy of Colombia’s progressive government has seen the voluntary relinquishing of weapons by an armed group, the first time such an action has taken place since the government enacted its strategy of pursuing conflict resolution through dialogue in 2022.
The Comuneros del Sur has been in talks with the government since it fractured from the National Liberation Army (ELN) in May last year, with the Petro administration’s decision to treat the Comuneros as a separate entity to the ELN sparking anger in the latter. However, despite the complications this generated in the ELN peace process, the Comuneros dialogues have now seen concrete advances, a welcome boost after multiple difficulties in recent months that cast doubt over Total Peace.
A wing of the Comuneros del Sur based in Abades, department of Nariño and comprising about 100 integrants – the group’s total membership is around 250 – submitted 585 explosive artifacts to authorities, including grenades, mortars and landmines. These were subsequently destroyed by the military. Further relinquishing of arms is anticipated in the next three months.
On 5 April, the advances were made public, as government and Comuneros representatives, including President Petro and Comuneros lead negotiator Royer Garzón, hosted an assembly in the city of Pasto, Nariño. Two days later, a government decree formalised the procedure for the Comuneros del Sur to relinquish weapons.
It comes alongside other core points of negotiation in the Comuneros-government dialogues. These provide strategies for the de-escalation of violence, territorial transformation in zones badly impacted by conflict and the transition of Comuneros members to civilian life. Other reported advances include a plan for the removal of landmines and training for ten members to join the UBPD body that is responsible for locating and identifying victims of forced disappearance.
According to the government, plans are also moving forward to provide social development in conflict-affected zones in Nariño. This includes investment in schools, health facilities, roads and internet coverage. The actions focus on ten municipalities: Barbacoas, Cumbal, Guachucal, La Llanada, Mallama, Providencia, Ricaurte, Samaniego, Santa Cruz de Guachavés and Los Andes Sotomayor.
Following breakdowns or delays in other sets of dialogues with armed groups, supporters of Total Peace now hope that recent advances with the Comuneros del Sur will lead to a permanent lasting settlement.