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Palace of Justice: Forty Years, Four Peace Processes, and No Peace

By Luis Guillermo Plata - November 9, 2025

I remember perfectly the morning of November 6, 1985. I was 18 years old, a high school conscript serving in the Presidential Guard Battalion. Chaos reigned. Commanders shouted orders as we deployed in trucks and on foot – not only toward Plaza de Bolívar, but to different corners of Bogotá. No one knew where the […]

ELN commanders claim Petro’s Total Peace is becoming “Total War”

By Richard Emblin - March 10, 2025

ELN commanders in Colombia claim President Petro’s “Total Peace” policy is escalating the conflict in Catatumbo, accusing the government of shifting to military action rather than peace talks. The violence has displaced tens of thousands, with no resolution in sight.

Colombia’s JEP indicts ex-FARC commanders on War Crimes and Child Recruitment

By The City Paper Staff - November 13, 2024

Colombia’s Special Jurisdiction for Peace (JEP) has indicted six former FARC commanders on war crimes charges, including child recruitment and severe abuses committed against minors during the internal conflict.

Ex-UNGRD chief claims Petro Government asked to funnel contracts to ELN

By The City Paper Staff - July 17, 2024

Former UNGRD chief Olmedo López claims Colombian officials pressured him to award contracts to the ELN guerrilla group to maintain peace talks, sparking a major corruption scandal. The Supreme Court has opened an investigation into the allegations, which implicate high-ranking members of the Petro government.

Former Dutch guerrilla’s amnesty ratified by Colombia’s JEP tribunal

By The City Paper Staff - May 7, 2024

Colombia’s Special Jurisdiction for Peace (JEP) reaffirmed amnesty for the former Dutch guerrilla combatant of FARC, Tanja Marie Nijmeijer, marking a milestone in her legal status and reintegration process with the post-conflict.

Manuel Díaz and his son, Luis Díaz of FC Liverpool. Photo: FILE

Colombia: ELN frees Manuel Díaz father of FC Liverpool’s Luis Díaz

By Richard Emblin - November 9, 2023

Manuel Díaz, the 56-year-old father of FC Liverpool forward Luis Díaz, has been freed by Colombia’s ELN guerrilla, twelve days after he was taken by the Maoist guerrilla near his home in Barrancas, La Guajira department.

Did ELN release Sergeant Karina Ramírez as a “gesture of peace”?

By The City Paper Staff - July 8, 2023

The release of Sergeant Karina Ramírez, her children and family pet, after five days in captivity by the ELN guerrilla is being welcomed by Colombians as a gesture of peace. The guerrilla, however, will continue to kidnap despite a bilateral ceasefire.

Colombia's Peace Commissioner Danilo Rueda shakes hands with the ELN's Pablo Beltran in Caracas./Presidencia

ELN warns peace talks with Colombian Goverment in “crisis”

By The City Paper Staff - May 15, 2023

The National Liberation Army (ELN) guerrilla is threatening to abandon the peace talks in Havana, Cuba, after a declaration by President Petro to the Armed Forces.

Colombia’s ELN refute Petro’s claim of ceasefire “agreement”

By Richard Emblin - January 3, 2023

The ELN guerrilla has denied any “agreement” with the leftist government of Gustavo Petro on a ceasefire despite a recent announcement by the Colombian President.

Colombia’s Petro faces steady opposition during first 100 days

By Lex Treinen - November 21, 2022

Colombia’s Gustavo Petro has faced steady opposition to his economic reforms during his first 100 days in office. On Monday, peace talks resume with the ELN guerrilla.

Colombia moves to restart peace talks with ELN

By The City Paper Staff - August 16, 2022

The Colombian Government of President Gustavo Petro is ready to restart peace talks in Cuba with the country’s last remaining Marxist guerrilla, ELN.

Colombia marks five years of Final Accord with FARC

By Richard Emblin - November 24, 2021

As Colombia marks five years since the signing of the Final Accord with FARC, deep political divisions continue over the future of a fragile peace.

President Santos to receive Tipperary International Peace Award

By Richard Emblin - August 6, 2018

The government of Ireland had announced that President Santos has been awarded the Tipperary International Peace Award for his commitment to peace in Colombia.

juan-manuel-santos-farc-military-colombia

Implementation of peace accord with FARC faces hurdles in 2017

By Andy East - January 11, 2017

A spate of targeted killings, the logistics of demobilization, and guerrillas deserting the FARC all continue to threaten peace.

In peace vote, Colombia split between rural victims and urban centers

By Ed Buckley - October 3, 2016

In Colombia’s peace vote on Sunday, the country was divided between rural victims and urban residents, leading the country to reject accords with the FARC by a small margin.

Santos: “This is the peace of everyone” after ceasefire with FARC sealed

By Richard Emblin - June 23, 2016

The agreements reached between the Colombian government and FARC ends all hostilities and paves the way for their political future with guarantees and protection from the state.