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Gómez-Suárez, a key figure in negotiations with the Comuneros del Sur, believes that solving Colombia’s regional conflicts requires a regional approach. This is in contrast to the national peace deal signed with the FARC in 2016, which faced difficulties and led to splinter groups forming. Gómez-Suárez’s region-specific strategy has already shown promise, with the Comuneros proposing a ceasefire before negotiations even began.
The ongoing negotiations between the government and the Comuneros have resulted in the signing of two agreements. The first includes a bilateral ceasefire, the destruction of weapons, and a landmine removal program. The second agreement ensures safety guarantees for the Red Cross and a team to search for missing persons. In return, the government has committed to funding infrastructure projects in Nariño, such as roads, aqueducts, schools, and universities.
The Comuneros plan to transition to civilian life before the 2026 presidential elections, aiming to address poverty and infrastructure issues in their territory. Gómez-Suárez’s approach emphasizes swift implementation, even before formal agreements are reached, showcasing a more efficient way to achieve peace and development in conflict-affected regions. The success of this regional strategy could serve as a model for resolving regional conflicts in Colombia, offering hope for a more peaceful and prosperous future.
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Photo credit www.aljazeera.com
