Colombia's government and FARC's former political chief announce peace talks

Talks with "Segunda Marquetalia" part of multiple peace processes with illegal armed groups
by Adriaan Alsema February 9, 2024

Colombia’s government and former FARC commander “Ivan Marquez” of guerrilla group “Segundo Marquetalia” announced formal peace talks. In a joint press statement, Marquez and Peace Commissioner Otty Patiño said they would begin “a process of sociopolitical talks that conduce to the signing of a peace accord.”

The guerrillas and the government of President additionally vowed to reach provisional deals to deescalate violence. Marquez and Patiño also said they would ask the United Nations, and the governments of Cuba, Norway and Venezuela to accompany the process.

The announcement comes more than a year and a half after President Gustavo Petro and Segunda Marquetalia first expressed their interest in a peace process that would include the group formed by dissident former FARC commanders.

Formal talks between the EMC and the government started months ago already, and are being supported by a bilateral ceasefire. In order to also facilitate peace talks with Segunda Marquetalia, the armed forces suspended military operations against the guerrilla group in January of last year.

More:
https://colombiareports.com/colombias-government-and-farcs-former-political-chief-announce-peace-talks/