Safeguarding the Promise: Protecting Ex-Combatants in Colombia's Fragile Peace

Ex-combatant Jaime Díaz wanted to enter politics. His murder, and that of over 400 signatories of the 2016 agreement, have generated mistrust and brought about painful memories from the past in Colombia.

Article written by Joaquin Castillo, María Fernanda Herrera & Valentina Torres 

Amidst the optimism that followed the signing of the historic peace accords in Colombia, agreed by the Colombian state and the FARC guerrillas in 2016, a haunting reality emerged: the lives of ex-combatants have remained perilously vulnerable. Eight years have passed since the signatories made the commitment to emerge from deep within the jungles of our country, but gradually this promise has been undermined by threats and attacks on the lives of ex-combatants. Such a situation has also been a factor in relation to the numbers of ex-combatants who have decided to wield arms again and return to a life of arms; they believe they are safer armed in the jungle than unarmed and scattered throughout the country. It is, however, important to highlight that according to the reports of the Truth Commission, almost 95% of the 13,609 fighters who signed the 2016 agreement are actively complying with the processes of peaceful reintegration into society (2022). It is for this reason that it is necessary to shine a light on the grave dangers being faced by those who have laid down their arms in the name of peace. The story of ex-combatants falling victim to assassination paints a stark picture of the complexities and challenges that persist long after the agreements. Such a scenario evokes painful memories from the past and is also extremely pertinent keeping in mind that the current president of Colombia is an ex-combatant himself and that the national government is keen to achieve peace agreements with several other armed groups still operating across the national territory. In this article, we dive into the tragic phenomenon of ex-combatants being killed after the signing of the peace accords by looking primarily at the case of one such slain ex-combatant, Jaime Diaz.   

Jaime Luis Diaz Ricardo belongs to the group of those who have fallen victims of the insecurity in peripheral areas of the country. Diaz Ricardo was a signatory of the 2016 Peace Agreement who was involved in the process of reincorporation (El Universal, 2023). The reincorporation process involved former FARC guerillas like Diaz Ricardo demobilizing and reintegrating into civilian life by turning in their weapons and receiving training and support to transition to legal economic activities under the terms of the 2016 Peace Agreement. After demobilizing from the FARC and going through the reincorporation program, he decided to enter politics. He was a candidate for the Municipal Council of Chalán in Sucre, for the Independent Social Alliance (ASI) party (Seguimiento.co, 2023). On October 27th 2023, at around 2pm, he was driving on the road leading from Chalán to Colosó, near the village of Desbarrancao, where he had been on campaign business, when he was approached and shot dead by two armed men (El Heraldo, 2023). He had lived in the Arriba de Chalán neighborhood, where he ran his parents' store. People affectionately called him 'el Niño'. Jaime left behind three small children. 

The region where the crime took place has a long history of violence stemming from the armed conflict, with various illegal armed groups disputing control of the territory and its strategic importance for drug trafficking routes. One of the most prominent criminal organizations currently operating in the area is the Gulf Clan (Clan del Golfo or AGC), which emerged from the demobilization of right-wing paramilitary groups. The AGC has violently asserted its control over illegal economies like drug trafficking and illegal mining in the Montes de María region, using intimidation and violence against social leaders, human rights defenders, and political candidates seen as opposing their interests (InSight Crime, 2022). After Diaz´ assassination, the governor of Sucre, Hector Olimpo Espinosa, claimed he had issued repeated warnings regarding the dangerous environment for candidates in this departmental election, expressing concern regarding the lack of attention being paid by the national government to the Sucre region in relation to potential threats to candidates, and the potential involvement of criminal gangs within the electoral process (Caracol Radio, 2024). 

The assassination of Jaime Diaz and other ex-combatants casts a haunting shadow over Colombia's pursuit of peace. According to figures from Indepaz, there have now been over 400 ex-combatants of the FARC murdered throughout Colombia since the agreement was signed in 2016.  Such figures evoke tragic memories of the nation's turbulent past. The demobilization and attempted political integration of the Patriotic Union (UP) party in the 1980s ended disastrously, with thousands of its members and leaders assassinated by paramilitary groups and narco-traffickers threatened by their political aspirations (Dudley, 2008). This brutal chapter demonstrated the perils ex-combatants face when attempting to reintegrate into civil society, underscoring the need for robust security guarantees. The current stakes are heightened further as Colombia's president, Gustavo Petro, is himself a former M-19 guerrilla fighter (The New York Times, 2022), lending personal resonance to the plight of ex-combatants and the existential importance of safeguarding the fragile peace process he has championed. 

These kinds of killings during a post-conflict era in Colombia demand urgent action from authorities at the local, national, and international level. Locally, law enforcement must intensify investigations and provide comprehensive protection and support programs for ex-combatants to ensure successful reintegration (Justice for Colombia, 2022). Nationally, the Colombian government must prioritize ex-combatant protection, strengthening security measures, allocating resources for socioeconomic reintegration, and swiftly prosecuting perpetrators (De-Arteaga et. Al, 2019). Internationally, organizations like the United Nations should provide technical assistance, monitor human rights violations, and advocate for ex-combatant protection while pressuring Colombia to fulfill peace accord commitments and address the root causes of violence (OHCHR, 2024). A coordinated effort is crucial in order to uphold peace, justice, and reconciliation and create a safer, more prosperous future for Colombians.  

Furthermore, it is important to acknowledge that these crimes are deeply troubling for several reasons. These individuals had laid down their arms and committed to pursuing peace, including through non-violence and reintegration. As agents of peace, their deaths have the effect of undermining the accords and efforts for lasting peace. Their participation demonstrated trust in the agreements and a willingness to embrace a new future. The killings represent lives lost and setbacks in building trust and confidence. They erode the security promised to those abandoning armed struggle. The acts of violence discourage other ex-combatants from embracing reintegration, perpetuating mistrust. Many ex-combatants have served as positive agents of change, promoting reconciliation. Their protection upholds the accords and moral imperative for peace. Ensuring their safety demonstrates Colombia's commitment to a peaceful future. 

The ongoing violence against ex-combatants like Jaime Diaz exposes a troubling lack of empathy and commitment from Colombian society towards the difficult process of reintegrating former fighters into civilian life. While apprehensions are understandable, demonizing all ex-combatants and denying them a legitimate path to rejoin society only perpetuates cycles of violence and mistrust. For sustainable peace, the public must recognize that many have renounced violence in good faith, deserving a genuine chance to rebuild their lives and contribute positively. Embracing this requires confronting painful histories and overcoming resentments, but the consequences of failure - renewed conflict, more bloodshed, wasted human potential - are too grave. All Colombians must leave animosities behind, uphold the peace accords' tenets through personal attitudes and actions, and reintegrate ex-combatants through reconciliation into the national fabric. The entire nation has a stake in this reintegration succeeding or reverting to entrenched divisions. Opening hearts and minds to ex-combatants' persevering humanity, honoring their choice of peace, and providing security and opportunities can unlock vast potential, whereas regressing to violence spurs only more suffering (Ramirez, 2016). The legacy of slain ex-combatants such as Jaime Diaz should steel our resolve to realize the promise of reconciliation.  

References 

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