Colombia Halts Ceasefire With FARC Dissident Group Amidst Fragile Peace Talks

BOGOTA, Colombia (April 17, 2025) – The Colombian government announced Thursday it would suspend its ceasefire with a faction of former Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) rebels, a move that threatens to destabilize ongoing peace negotiations. The decision, made by President Gustavo Petro, comes after the expiration of the ceasefire earlier this week and a failure to reach an agreement on its extension.

The suspended ceasefire involves a FARC splinter group, a faction of what was once the main FARC guerilla group. This particular faction, estimated to have around 1,500 members, is led by Alexander Diaz Mendoza, also known as Calarca Cordoba. The government's action requires both parties to relocate within 72 hours to areas where they can ensure their own security, according to agreed-upon protocols.

President Petro's administration has been engaged in peace talks with this faction as part of a broader effort to end Colombia's six-decade-long armed conflict, which has claimed over 450,000 lives. Despite these efforts, progress has been limited since Petro assumed office in 2022. The suspension of the ceasefire raises concerns about the future of these negotiations and the overall peace process.

Ceasefire Ends, Talks Continue

The Colombian government has clarified that the suspension of the ceasefire does not signify an end to the peace talks with the Calarca-led faction. Despite the renewed military actions, the government intends to keep the dialogue open, signaling a complex approach to dealing with the dissident group.

Prior to President Petro's decision, both government and dissident group delegations had requested a six-month extension of the ceasefire, emphasizing its necessity for fulfilling commitments related to territorial transformations and addressing illegal economies. This request followed a meeting in La Macarena, Meta department, where civilian protection and environmental preservation were discussed. The president's rejection of this proposal underscores a shift towards a firmer stance against illegal armed groups, even those engaged in dialogue.

A Divided FARC and the Quest for "Total Peace"

The FARC has experienced significant fragmentation since the 2016 peace agreement. While a majority of former FARC members have honored the accord, several dissident groups emerged, rejecting the terms and continuing armed struggle. The government is not currently engaged in peace talks with another significant splinter group from FARC. Instead, the government has intensified its military offensive against militants hiding in the jungles and mountains.

President Petro, a former rebel himself, came into power with a promise of achieving "total peace" in Colombia. His strategy involves addressing the underlying issues of poverty and inequality that fuel the conflict, while simultaneously pursuing negotiations with armed groups. The suspension of the ceasefire with the Calarca faction represents a setback to this ambitious agenda.

Implications for the Peace Process

Security analysts suggest that the peace talks are now in a precarious position. The end of the ceasefire creates an environment of uncertainty and could potentially escalate violence. The dissident group has not yet issued an official response to the government's decision.

The government's decision also raises questions about the effectiveness of negotiating with groups that may be using peace talks as a means to strengthen their military capabilities. This concern was voiced by President Petro himself, who stated that he believed the group was using peace negotiations as a cover to "strengthen itself militarily."

Broader Humanitarian Concerns

The ongoing conflict in Colombia has created a dire humanitarian situation. A United Nations agency reported that over eight million people in Colombia require humanitarian assistance, primarily due to the expansion of the armed conflict. The suspension of the ceasefire could exacerbate this crisis, leading to further displacement and suffering for vulnerable populations.

Looking Ahead

The Colombian government faces a difficult balancing act. It must maintain pressure on illegal armed groups while simultaneously pursuing a path towards negotiated peace. The suspension of the ceasefire with the FARC dissident faction highlights the challenges and complexities of this endeavor. The coming weeks and months will be crucial in determining whether the peace talks can be salvaged and whether Colombia can move closer to a lasting resolution of its long-standing conflict.