The new decision announced by Colombian President Gustavo Petro on April 18, 2025, shows that the search for peace in the country is gaining momentum again. This decision renews the hopes of segments of society affected by the ongoing internal conflicts for many years, while also reminding of the difficult but essential nature of peace negotiations. With this decision, military operations against the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia–People’s Army (FARC-PE) have been suspended until May 18, 2025.[1] This suspension is not just a temporary solution but is also a reflection of the state’s determination to prioritize peaceful methods.
The Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) officially disarmed with the peace agreement signed in 2016, but some elements that broke away from this process and continued their existence under the name “FARC-PE” have continued their armed struggle by not recognizing the agreement. The Petro Government, since coming to power in 2022, has been pursuing a comprehensive “Total Peace” policy based on dialogue not only with FARC-PE but also with the National Liberation Army (ELN) and other armed groups.[2] The latest decision taken within this framework reflects a will that prioritizes belief in the continuity of the peace process and maintaining dialogue between the parties.
The aforementioned temporary military pause serves not only as a security measure but also as a strategic step that serves to restructure the social space. In statements made by the Colombian Government, it is emphasized that this decision was taken especially to enable the continuation of agricultural production and safe transportation in rural areas where FARC-PE operates.[3] This approach creates an awareness that conflict can be resolved not only with weapons but also with social, economic, and political mechanisms.
It is known that the ceasefire first came into effect in December 2023 and this process has been extended several times. However, it has been announced that it officially ended because the necessary agreement on extending the ceasefire could not be reached between the parties in time.[4] The new decision following this development shows that the negotiation table has not yet dispersed, but on the contrary, is being continued with more careful steps. The Petro administration aims to protect the negotiation environment and create new areas of trust-building with such military pauses, albeit temporary.
The traces left by the internal conflict in the social fabric of Colombia still remain fresh. Therefore, it would be a beneficial approach not only to silence the weapons but also to implement mechanisms of truth, justice, and reparation. At this point, ensuring the social legitimacy of peace processes, the active participation of the people in the process, and making the voices of victims heard are of great importance. Petro’s approach sees peace not only as a state project but also as a goal of social reconciliation.
However, this process contains some fragile elements. Although the Petro Government has made significant discursive changes in the peace process since coming to power in 2022, implementations in the field often remain limited due to bureaucratic delays and security concerns. It is estimated that FARC-PE has approximately 1,500 members, and it is known that there are different tendencies within this group.[5] This makes it difficult for the negotiations between the parties to proceed in a homogeneous and clear structure.
On the other hand, lack of social development and levels of poverty in rural areas provide a basis for armed organizations to continue their existence. Especially the limited access of the young population to education, employment, and social services makes it easier for organizations to gain new members. Therefore, establishing a peace process supported not only by security policies but also by comprehensive social policies could be a beneficial step. The steps taken by the Colombian Government, considering this reality, contribute to making peace permanent on the social ground.
The Petro Government’s approach to the peace process is based on the belief that the final solution to conflicts lies in dialogue. However, in the official statement made by the Colombian Government on April 17, 2025, it was stated that the ceasefire in force with FARC-PE had expired and ended without a new agreement.[6] This development reveals how fragile the ground on which the process is progressing. Although government officials emphasized that this does not mean the end of negotiations, the temporary lifting of the ceasefire threatens the non-confrontational environment in the field.
It is reported that both sides agreed to withdraw to their control areas by taking security measures within 72 hours after the end of the ceasefire. This process aims to prevent the rise of tension between the parties and also shows that diplomatic channels are not completely closed. However, security gaps that may occur during this transition period are a source of concern for local people. Especially the risk of civilians living in rural areas facing the threat of conflict again can damage social belief in the peace process.
The fact that the peace process is open to such fluctuations also stems from the fact that armed actors do not have a homogeneous structure. It is known that there are ideological, strategic, and logistical divergences among different branches of FARC-PE operating in different regions. This reduces the effectiveness of central negotiations and makes it difficult to always implement decisions taken in the field. Also, the fact that Alexander Díaz Mendoza, known as the leader of the organization, has not yet made a public statement about these developments shows that decision processes within the organization are not clear yet.
Armed actors in Colombia do not only act with ideological demands but are also intertwined with criminal economies such as drug trafficking and illegal gold mining. This reality reveals that peace needs to be supported not only with a political solution but also with economic and structural reforms. Otherwise, although peace agreements may offer temporary calm, an armed conflict environment may arise again without solving the basic problems.
The Petro Government aims to break this economically based cycle of violence by creating alternative development programs, increasing public investments in poor regions, and strengthening social inclusivity. These efforts make it possible for peace to be adopted and owned not only by state institutions but also by the people. Therefore, adopting a multi-layered approach in terms of security, economy, and social justice would be a more beneficial step for the peace process to be permanent.
[1] Acosta, Luis Jaime. “Colombia’s Petro Pauses FARC Offensive in Order to Progress in Peace Talks.” Reuters, www.reuters.com/world/americas/colombias-petro-pauses-farc-offensive-order-progress-peace-talks-2025-04-18/, (Date Accessed: 20.04.2025).
[2] Shiraz, Zakia, and Juan Carlos Gomez Benavides. “The Policy of ‘Paz Total’ (Total Peace) in Colombia: Challenges, Failures and Opportunities.” Leiden Security and Global Affairs Blog, www.leidensecurityandglobalaffairs.nl/articles/the-policy-of-paz-total-total-peace-in-colombia-challenges-failures-and-opportunities, (Date Accessed: 20.04.2025).
[3] Acosta, Luis Jaime. Ibid.
[4] Ibid.
[5] Acosta, Luis Jaime. “Colombia Suspends Ceasefire with FARC Guerrilla Faction.” Reuters, www.reuters.com/world/americas/colombia-suspends-ceasefire-with-farc-guerrilla-faction-2025-04-17/, (Date Accessed: 20.04.2025).
[6] Acosta, Luis Jaime. ibid., “Colombia Suspends…”.
