Colombian Guerrillas in Talks with President Petro

The Segunda Marquetalia, one of the last remaining rebel groups in Colombia, is engaged in negotiations with President Gustavo Petro's administration. The group claims that the government has not fulfilled its commitments under the 2016 peace agreement that marked the end of the FARC's involvement in the country’s prolonged conflict. They are demanding additional concessions before considering disarmament, highlighting a lack of progress in the talks. Despite the challenges, the Colombian government remains hopeful for a resolution with Segunda Marquetalia, which could potentially conclude a six-decade-long armed struggle that has resulted in over 450,000 deaths. Mendoza, a veteran rebel leader, emphasized the need for investment in historically neglected regions as a prerequisite for the group to relinquish their arms. The camp, which was shown to journalists, revealed a mix of seasoned fighters and younger recruits, some as young as 16. The government’s chief negotiator, Armando Novoa, expressed optimism that a deal could be reached within two years, although he acknowledged significant hurdles remain. A critical aspect of the negotiations is the disarmament of Segunda Marquetalia, which has largely avoided direct confrontations with government forces but has engaged in territorial disputes with other armed groups. Ernesto Rojas, a commander within the group, shared his experience as a rebel fighter, illustrating the complexities and personal histories intertwined with Colombia's ongoing conflict. The outcome of these negotiations could have profound implications for peace in the region.