FARC peace talks a year on; no end in sight
Twelve long months have passed since the Colombian government and FARC guerrillas met in Oslo to announce the start of peace talks to end 50 years of conflict.
Colombia Politics heralded President Santos` bold move, and we were optimistic of a swift conclusion. Things have not gone according to plan, however. Agreement has been reached on the point of agrarian reform yes, but precious little progress is obvious on the arguably more fundamental issues of political participation, narcotrafficking, victims, justice or disarmament.
Latin America`s longest running rebel/terrorist group shows little sign of demobilizing any time soon.
As a publication we remain hopeful of a positive outcome, but questions remain about whether the FARC are committed to the talks and whether President Santos has the leadership skills to deliver the peace all Colombians want but which an increasing number are sceptical will ever arrive.
The questions are greater in number and the reasons to despair more obvious than the signs of progress:
When will the FARC show remorse for their crimes? Without reparation, building a lasting peace is impossible. The FARC continue to argue they are the victims; this is an affront to those displaced, killed, or terrorized over the past 50 years.
When will the FARC release hostages and stop the practice of kidnaping? Despite telling us “economic retention” as the guerrillas euphemistically call it was now off the menu, FARC combatants have continued to capture police, soldiers and civilians. Let us not forget Kevin Scott the retired US soldier, held hostage since July.
And when will the FARC cease to recruit the children of Meta, Guaviare, Putumayo, Caquetá, Arauca y Vaupés? Government figures reveal hundreds have been stolen from their families since the talks began.
Talk has grown in the past weeks of a possible suspension of the talks during the pre-election period. Rumours abound of discord in Havana, of a breakdown in trust between the FARC and government negotiators.
Yes, the majority of Colombians still believe in the talks, but support and hope are falling.
Doubt too remains on President Santos` leadership, the man who must eventually secure a yes vote when the accords are put to a referendum.
Around 70 per cent of Colombians have lost faith in their president. Will he be able to sell an agreement that will be difficult for Colombians to stomach?
It will take a strong leader to convince victims to accommodate the sight of guerrillas walking free, or celebrating election victories.
South Africa`s peace was dependent on Mandela`s unique ability to bring together a nation torn apart by hatred and racism. Moving on will be as hard for Colombians as it was for South Africans.
Until now, Juan Manuel Santos has shown none of Mandela`s qualities. He must quickly find them.
Photo, Reuters
