Jesús Daniel Romero and William Acosta for Poder & Dinero and FinGurú
The "Total Peace" strategy, promoted by President Gustavo Petro, has generated a wide debate about its viability in a country with a history marked by armed conflict. Since taking office, Petro has sought to establish dialogues with various armed factions, with the intention of ending a cycle of violence that has persisted for decades. However, analysts and critics argue that this approach, while necessary, does not adequately address the complexity of the conflict, which is deeply rooted in corruption and the power dynamics that prevail in Colombian institutions.
The recent inclusion of “ex” guerrillas from the M-19 in key government positions, including intelligence agencies, has raised serious concerns about the state's ability to manage security effectively. This situation has left security agencies with significant limitations, unable to act with the necessary firmness against armed groups operating with total impunity. The lack of committed leadership and solid institutional integrity undermines the state's effectiveness to implement the necessary changes that ensure the safety and wellbeing of the population.
Since the 1980s, Colombia has undergone multiple peace processes throughout its history, each with various results. Despite some advances, such as the Havana Agreement in 2016, which achieved part of the demobilization of the FARC, violence has continued and highlighted the fragility of these agreements. History shows that the lack of follow-up and compliance has been a determining factor in the failure of previous initiatives, creating a cycle of distrust between the government and civil society. But it is worth mentioning Cuba's participation within the peace context, recognizing that Havana has been a participant in the violence in Latin America.
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Corruption, in this context, represents a critical challenge that directly impacts the peace process. The collusion between public officials and criminal groups allows violence and drug trafficking to perpetuate, while the alarming increase in coca cultivation and cocaine production since Petro took office raises doubts about the sincerity of dialogues with armed groups. Without a clear framework that establishes rules and specific commitments, many Colombians perceive "Total Peace" as a mere illusion, which feeds a distrust that complicates the path towards reconciliation. Evidence of this can be seen in the effort to promote Colombia as a model country for the environment before the international community while coca and cocaine production cause irreversible damage to the environment as a chain that leads to death.
https://cnnespanol.cnn.com/2024/05/14/petro-escanadalos-corrupcion-constituyente-analisis-orix
Attempts to negotiate with groups such as the ELN and dissidents from the FARC have largely failed due to the fragmentation of these organizations and the lack of a cohesive approach from the government. Petro's strategy, which seeks to integrate all actors into a dialogue, ignores the complexities inherent in these interactions, making agreements difficult to achieve and even more complicated to implement.
The regional context adds another layer of difficulty. The influence of leftist governments, such as Nicolás Maduro's in Venezuela, may be fueling an environment of instability in Colombia by seeking to weaken a political adversary in the region. The interconnection between drug trafficking and politics in Latin America reinforces this perception, as cocaine production can be used to fund movements seeking to destabilize governments. Evidence of campaign financing could be found among the large amounts of illicit money supporting the air bridge for cocaine between Venezuela and the United States through Central America and Mexico between 2017-2022 (Reference: El Vuelo Final La Reina del Aire 2024)
Dialogue with the ELN, which began in 2017, has not resulted in a formal agreement, and the violence from this group has persisted over time. Between 2018 and 2020, negotiations were held with the dissidents from the FARC, but these also did not result in lasting peace. During 2020 and 2021, temporary ceasefires were signed with several armed groups, although their effectiveness was limited and did not translate into a significant reduction in violence.
The climate of criticism towards Petro's administration is intensifying, as his attempts to negotiate with multiple armed groups have weakened government agencies’ capabilities. This has contributed to the increase in crime and sustained cocaine production as a driver of violence, challenging efforts to establish a peaceful environment. The fragmentation of armed groups, including the Gulf Clan, further complicates the situation, as this group has maintained considerable control over drug trafficking and extortion, hindering peace efforts.
The negotiation process with groups such as the ELN and FARC dissidents is complicated by the lack of a clear and determined approach to combat corruption and crime. “Total Peace” cannot be limited to dialogues; it must include a genuine commitment to dismantling the corrupt networks that perpetuate violence. Without addressing these fundamental issues, any attempt to achieve peace becomes merely a wish without the possibility of realization.
Petro's proposal has encountered significant resistance from political sectors that benefit from the status quo. The far-right and certain sectors of santismo have criticized the initiative, arguing that it could further weaken institutions. This opposition reflects a fear of losing control and privileges that they have enjoyed in a system historically favorable to their interests.
For the "Total Peace" strategy to succeed, it is essential that the government demonstrates a genuine commitment to transparency and the fight against corruption. This process must be considered an integrated effort involving civil society and seeking to strengthen institutions. Only then can the efforts towards peace translate into tangible improvements in security and the well-being of the population.
In conclusion, the current situation demands critical reflection on how peace dialogues have been managed and how a sustainable future can be built for Colombia. The way Petro and his allies benefit from the dynamics of drug trafficking and corruption raises serious questions about the sincerity of their intentions. Without overcoming the old practices that have hindered the path to authentic peace, any progress will be compromised. It is crucial that the international community recognizes these dynamics and collaborates with the Colombian government to foster a peace process that is sustainable and protected from external influences seeking to destabilize it.
Credits: This analysis has been based on information from various sources, including articles from Financial Times, Las2orillas, El Espectador, Semana, and the article "Total Peace in Colombia: A Utopia?" by Daniela Castillo, as well as other expert analyses on the subject.
Jesús Daniel Romero became an officer through the Marine Enlisted Program, graduated with honors from Norfolk State University, and received a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science. He later graduated from the Naval Flight Officer Training course at the Naval Aviation Schools Command and underwent intermediate training in squadrons VT-10 and VT-86. He served aboard a nuclear missile cruiser, amphibious operations ships, and staff squadrons, a fixed-wing attack bombing squadron, and an aircraft carrier air wing, and was deployed to Libya, Bosnia, Iraq, and Somalia. He served tours with the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) in Panama, the Pacific Joint Intelligence Center in Hawaii, and the POW/MIA Joint Accounting Command. Jesús and his team successfully attacked an international criminal organization operating in several countries and the United States, dismantling and interrupting criminal activities on behalf of Mexican cartels.
William L. Acosta is the founder and CEO of Equalizer Private Investigations & Security Services Inc., a licensed investigative agency linked in NYS, FL. With offices and affiliates worldwide.
Equalizer maintains offices and affiliates in the United States in New York, Florida, and California. Since 1999, Equalizer's investigations have successfully closed hundreds of cases, ranging from homicides, missing persons, and other crimes.
He has been involved in the criminal defense of hundreds of state and federal cases ranging from homicide, narcotics, racketeering, money laundering, conspiracy, and other federal and state charges.
He specializes in international and multijurisdictional investigations, and in recent years has conducted investigations in Germany, Italy, Portugal, Spain, France, England, Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, Argentina, Bolivia, Ecuador, Peru, Brazil, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, among other locations.
He has led or coordinated hundreds of investigations related to international drug trafficking, money laundering, and homicides, and has been an instructor and international speaker on various investigative topics.
Specialties: Criminal Defense Investigations, International Investigations, Homicides, Undercover Narcotics Operations, Investigations, Asset Forfeiture Investigations, Conspiracy, Human Trafficking, Surveillance, International Terrorism, Intelligence, Technical Surveillance Countermeasures, Internal Affairs Investigations, National Security.
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