As Colombia approaches its presidential election on May 31, the promise of achieving 'total peace' under President Gustavo Petro is under scrutiny, especially in light of a resurgence in violence. The 2016 peace agreement with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc) significantly reduced violence, but ongoing issues have led to a troubling rise in armed conflict. This comprehensive guide covers colombian election reflects on ‘total peace’ promise as violence surges again in detail.
Petro, who took office in 2022, pledged to expand peace efforts by negotiating with various armed groups, including leftist rebels and organized crime factions. However, with just weeks until the election, the country is experiencing an alarming increase in guerrilla attacks, homicides, and kidnappings. This resurgence has left many Colombians feeling as though they are reliving a dark chapter of their recent past. Originally reported by The Guardian.
Understanding Colombian Election Reflects On ‘total Peace’ Promise As Violence Surges Again
The urgency of the situation was underscored by a devastating bombing over the weekend, which claimed the lives of 21 people on a major road. This incident, attributed to the Central Command of the Farc dissidents, stands as one of the deadliest attacks on civilians in Colombia's tumultuous history. María Victoria Llorente, executive director of the Ideas for Peace Foundation, noted, "It was not an isolated incident. It has to be seen in the broader context of the evolution of organised violence in Colombia."
With the election date looming, the issue of peace and security has become a focal point for voters. Petro's favored candidate, leftist senator Iván Cepeda, is viewed as a key architect of the 'total peace' initiative and supports the continuation of the program. In stark contrast, right-wing candidates like Abelardo de la Espriella and Paloma Valencia are gaining traction, promising to abandon the peace agreements and revert to a more militarized approach to governance.
The Flaws in Peace Implementation
The original peace deal aimed to dismantle armed groups by offering incentives such as reduced sentences and a path to legal economies. However, the implementation has been sluggish, with previous administrations dragging their feet. Following Petro's inauguration, he quickly sought to engage with the nation's five largest armed groups, announcing a ceasefire agreement.
Yet, many analysts pointed out that Petro's ceasefire lacked the necessary protocols and monitoring mechanisms that had been vital in the initial Farc peace agreement. The National Liberation Army (ELN), which has now become Colombia's largest rebel group, quickly denied any agreement to a truce, leading to further complications in peace negotiations.
Attempts to reach agreements with the ELN and other factions have largely stagnated, and armed groups have exploited temporary ceasefires to extend their influence. This situation has exacerbated clashes among rival groups vying for control over lucrative illegal economies, including drug trafficking and mining. As of early 2025, violent confrontations between the ELN and the Farc dissident group Frente 33 resulted in over 80 fatalities and displaced 60,000 people-the largest forced displacement episode in the country's history.
Political Ramifications and Public Sentiment
As violence escalates, Petro's administration finds itself in a precarious position. Initially a critic of military interventions, Petro has recently authorized airstrikes and artillery assaults against armed groups, some of which have led to civilian casualties, including minors recruited by these factions. This year has already emerged as the deadliest since the 2016 peace deal was established.
The political landscape has also shifted dramatically, with the assassination of right-wing senator Miguel Uribe Turbay marking a grim milestone. He was killed during a campaign event in June 2025 by the Farc dissident group Segunda Marquetalia. Additionally, leftist senator Aida Quilcué, a long-time advocate for Indigenous rights, faced a kidnapping attempt in February-a harrowing experience that underscores the escalating risks for political figures in Colombia.
Quilcué described the ambush as a new level of danger, noting that it was the first time she had been abducted. Such incidents highlight the growing threats faced by those who challenge the status quo, as violence and instability loom large in the lead-up to the elections.
As Colombia prepares to cast its votes, the future of peace and security remains uncertain. The electorate is left to grapple with the implications of a government that may further entrench the cycle of violence, while the promise of 'total peace' hangs precariously in the balance.
Originally reported by The Guardian. View original.