Colombian Dissident Faction Segunda Marquetalia Announces Unilateral Ceasefire Amid Peace Talks

The Colombian armed group Segunda Marquetalia has declared a unilateral ceasefire following peace talks in Caracas. This step is part of President Gustavo Petro's efforts to end Colombia's long-standing conflict and violence. The Segunda Marquetalia, a faction of former FARC rebels, had returned to arms after initially agreeing to a 2016 peace deal. The group agreed to release hostages and respect civilian lives, and a presidential decree is expected to formalize the ceasefire. The government aims to finalize a peace agreement with this group before President Petro's term ends in two years.

The Colombian armed group Segunda Marquetalia has declared a unilateral ceasefire and agreed to release captives following peace talks in Caracas, Venezuela [1]. This announcement comes as part of President Gustavo Petro's efforts to end Colombia's long-standing conflict and violence.

Segunda Marquetaria, a faction of former FARC rebels, had returned to arms after initially agreeing to a 2016 peace deal. However, following negotiations with the government, they have committed to an unconditional ceasefire and the delivery of captives [1].

The exact start date of the ceasefire has not been announced, but the agreement states that it will begin once a presidential decree formalizing the ceasefire comes into effect [1]. During the ceasefire, Segunda Marquetaria will not remain armed or in uniform in urban centers or on certain land and river routes [1].

This development marks a significant step forward in President Petro's efforts to bring an end to Colombia's long-standing conflict. The government aims to finalize a peace agreement with Segunda Marquetalia before Petro's term ends in two years [1].

Colombia has been embroiled in conflict between its security forces, guerrillas, right-wing paramilitaries, and drug gangs for over six decades. The country has seen multiple attempts at peace talks in recent years, but progress has been slow and fraught with obstacles [1].

In addition to talks with Segunda Marquetalia, the Colombian government has been involved in on-again, off-again negotiations with the Marxist National Liberation Army (ELN) since 2022 [1]. The ELN is responsible for the kidnapping of the father of a Liverpool footballer, Luis Diaz, in October 2023 [1].

References:
[1] France24. (2024, June 30). Colombian rebel group agrees to unilateral ceasefire and release of captives. Retrieved from https://www.france24.com/en/americas/20240630-colombian-rebel-group-agrees-to-unilateral-ceasefire-and-release-of-captives