Colombia Senate advances bill on legal submission for armed groups

The Colombian Senate has approved a favorable report for Bill 296 of 2026, a legislative project aimed at creating a legal pathway for armed structures to disarm, provide information, and surrender assets. The Senate plenary voted 48 to 5 to deny a motion to archive the bill, moving the debate forward to November 3.

Government officials, including the former Minister of the Interior and the Minister of Justice, have stated that the project does not establish a new jurisdiction or grant amnesties, nor does it imply political recognition for the groups involved. However, legal experts have raised questions regarding the specific conditions, guarantees, and resources the State will offer to ensure the effectiveness of the disarmament process.