Colombia marks ten years of FARC peace agreement with mixed results

Ten years after the historic peace agreement between the Colombian government and the FARC guerrilla group, the results of the peace process remain mixed. While the agreement led to the official dissolution of the FARC and established a foundation for reconciliation between victims, perpetrators, and the state, significant challenges persist.

Progress has been noted in the participation of women, indigenous peoples, and ethnic groups. However, the consolidation of peace is threatened by ongoing violence, organized crime, and structural state weaknesses. Despite efforts by President Gustavo Petro’s ‘Total Peace’ policy to transform conflict regions through state and civil society partnerships, implementation has often been hindered by institutional deficits and illegal economic structures.

The security situation remains critical, with high rates of murders targeting human rights defenders, demobilized fighters, and civilians. While the agreement is viewed internationally as a milestone for transitional justice, the shift toward militarized security approaches under new political directions presents a potential setback for the civilian-led peace process.