The Commoners of the South rebel group has begun surrendering weapons to the Colombian government as part of ongoing peace talks. This step follows their decision to separate from the ELN and negotiate with President Gustavo Petro’s administration. Despite positive developments, challenges remain, including securing rural areas and addressing the needs of victims of the group’s past actions.

Colombia’s Defense Ministry announced that the rebel group known as the Commoners of the South has commenced the process of surrendering its weapons to the government. This initiative is part of peace discussions aimed at leading to the group’s disarmament in the forthcoming months. The group, comprising approximately 250 fighters, is primarily active in the Nariño province and has been negotiating with the government since last year.

Defense Minister Pedro Sanchez hailed this event as a “historic moment” during a ceremony in Pasto, where key agreements with the group were underscored by officials. Over the last two days, the Commoners of the South have transferred land mines, grenades, and rockets to government forces, who will ensure their destruction, ensuring that civilians can navigate the area without fear of encountering dangerous munitions.

Previously associated with the National Liberation Army (ELN), which consists of about 6,000 fighters still in conflict with the government, the Commoners of the South separated from the ELN in May of the previous year. They then initiated peace talks with President Gustavo Petro’s administration, a decision that prompted discontent among ELN leadership and impeded their negotiations with the government.

President Petro, having a history as a former rebel, is pursuing dialogues with nine different rebel groups and drug trafficking gangs through a policy termed “total peace.” Thus far, these discussions have not significantly reduced violence, and the Commoners of the South remain the only group to have embarked on a path toward peaceful civilian life.

Gerson Arias, an analyst at the Ideas for Peace Foundation in Bogotá, expressed that the issues presented by the Petro administration are complex, noting, “The Commoners of the South are only one of nine problems.” He elaborated that the government aims to establish regional agreements with smaller factions to alleviate pressure on the populace rather than seeking large-scale national accords. He contended that the talks with the Commoners may be the most viable for the Petro administration, albeit highlighting unresolved issues regarding justice for the victims of the group.

Colombia previously ratified a peace agreement in 2016 with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), leading to the disarmament of over 13,000 fighters. However, FARC’s withdrawal from certain rural areas has cultivated a power vacuum that other smaller groups have sought to exploit. Currently, the Colombian government faces challenges securing remote rural regions as various groups engage in violence for control over drug trafficking and resources while forcibly recruiting minors and imposing taxes on local businesses.

Earlier this year, violence attributed to the ELN in Catatumbo resulted in the displacement of over 50,000 individuals after attacks on farms accused of aiding rival factions. In response to these attacks, the Colombian government halted peace negotiations with the ELN, with President Petro denouncing its leadership as “greedy” drug traffickers who have deviated from their original ideals.

Local authorities in Nariño hope the government’s continued efforts will effectively deter rebel groups from encroaching on their region by enhancing security and developing economic initiatives. Human rights official Giovanny Cardenas emphasized the need for a clear strategy to protect the territory. He stated, “If a peace deal is reached between the Commoners of the South and the government, we would like to know more about the strategy to protect this territory. It would be tragic if this group demobilizes and another group comes here to continue the same war.”

The initiation of arms surrender by the Commoners of the South marks a significant step in Colombia’s ongoing peace negotiations, particularly under President Gustavo Petro’s administration. While this transition instills hope for an end to violence in specific regions, complexities remain regarding national security and the potential for other groups to fill the vacuum left behind. Continued efforts towards regional agreements and the establishment of justice for victims will be critical in ensuring lasting peace in Colombia.

Original Source: www.independent.co.uk

Related posts:

Commoners of the South Rebel Group Commences Disarmament in Colombia Colombian Rebel Group Begins Disarmament as Peace Talks Progress Colombian Rebel Group Commences Disarmament in Progress Toward Peace Talks Colombia’s President Petro Enforces Emergency Powers Amid Catatumbo Violence