Colombia announces start of peace process with FARC dissident faction

Colombia initiates peace talks with dissident FARC faction Segunda Marquetalia, aiming to quell decadeslong conflict

The Colombian government announced on Friday the commencement of peace negotiations with the dissident rebel faction of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) known as the Segunda Marquetalia.

The announcement was made jointly by Otty Patino, the Colombian High Commissioner for Peace and dissident FARC leader Ivan Marquez.

The armed group has pledged to refrain from carrying out kidnappings for extortion purposes and has proposed the establishment of peace zones along borders to boost local economies.

Comprising former combatants who broke away from the 2016 peace agreement and resumed armed conflict, the faction is estimated to consist of 1,663 fighters. It is regarded as the hardline faction among the dissidents.

Marquez, who previously served as the FARC’s chief negotiator during peace talks with the government of Juan Manuel Santos in Havana, spearheaded the group’s negotiations.

Previously uninvolved in talks led by leftist President Gustavo Petro with most of the country’s armed groups, the Segunda Marquetalia’s engagement marks a significant development.

Petro seeks to bring an end to the six-decadelong internal armed conflict, which has resulted in over 450,000 deaths and the displacement of millions.

Source: Newsroom

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