Negotiating with Colombia’s Gaitanistas for Safer Communities

In late December 2023, the Gaitanista Self-Defense Forces, Colombia's largest armed group, began asserting control over the village of Briceño in the Andes, signaling their dominance with the message, 'We’re in charge now.' This group has become a significant player in Colombia's drug trafficking and migrant smuggling operations, controlling a majority of these activities through the Darién Gap. The Colombian government, under President Gustavo Petro, had previously attempted cease-fires with various armed groups, including the Gaitanistas, in December 2022, aiming to initiate peace talks. However, military actions against the Gaitanistas intensified following the cancellation of these cease-fires, leading to the establishment of a Joint Military Command supported by 30,000 troops and naval forces. In August 2024, the Colombian government announced plans to engage in negotiations with the Gaitanistas, marking a critical step in Petro's broader strategy for achieving 'total peace' after decades of internal conflict. This initiative also includes discussions with other insurgent groups, such as the National Liberal Army (ELN) and factions of the former Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). The complexity of negotiating with the Gaitanistas stems from their substantial financial resources, estimated at $4.4 billion annually, and their well-organized structure, which includes around 9,000 fighters. The Gaitanistas' control over local communities is profound, with residents often needing permission for basic activities like fishing and adhering to curfews imposed by the group. The situation highlights the challenges faced by the Colombian government in restoring order and safety in regions dominated by organized crime. As negotiations are set to begin, the outcome will significantly impact the future of security and governance in Colombia. The ongoing dialogue with the Gaitanistas represents a pivotal moment in Colombia's efforts to address the long-standing issues of violence and criminality. The success of these negotiations could pave the way for improved safety for communities affected by the Gaitanistas' influence, but the path forward remains fraught with challenges.