Petro’s ‘total peace’ turns to ‘fatal peace’: growing unrest in Colombia

Since his inauguration on August 7, 2022, President Gustavo Petro, the inaugural leftist leader under the Historical Pact banner, faces the task of actualizing their campaign pledges, with ‘total peace’ at the forefront.

Yet, one year later, the United Nations has spotlighted a surge in violent incidents by Colombian criminal factions.

In merely the first half of this year, there were 52 reported massacres, an 11% uptick from the same period in 2022.

Released on Tuesday (15), the report by Juliette De Rivero, the UN Human Rights representative in Colombia, revealed that these incidents resulted in the deaths of 168 individuals, including 19 minors, presumably linked to Colombian factions.

Last year, Colombia’s president, Gustavo Petro, the nation’s first leftist leader, began ceasefire negotiations with key criminal and drug trafficking factions.

A peace agreement was recently secured with the National Liberation Army (ELN) rebels for six months following prior unsuccessful efforts.

In contrast, a deal with the Clan Del Golfo, or the Gaitanist Self-Defense Forces of Colombia (AGC), was revoked after the group’s alleged involvement in an informal miners’ protest in March.

With over five decades marred by violent conflicts from factions, drug traffickers, and paramilitary groups, Colombia remains the world’s leading cocaine producer and supplier.

Petro’s tenure, celebrated its first year this month, has been overshadowed by scandals and corruption allegations.

Notably, his son, Nicolás Petro, was arrested in July along with his ex-wife, Daysuris Vásquez, on money laundering and illicit wealth acquisition charges.

In statements to the public prosecutor, the president’s son claimed drug traffickers had financed his father’s campaign.