The Colombian armed group Comuneros del Sur has officially handed over weaponry and signed two agreements with President Gustavo Petro, signaling a potential shift towards peace. This act follows their recent split from the ELN and demonstrates a commitment to ending armed conflict. Defense Minister Pedro Sanchez highlighted the importance of this event, while group leader Royer Garzon expressed a belief that armed struggle is no longer viable. While this marks a hopeful step, the broader peace process remains challenging, as violence continues in other areas of Colombia, raising concerns about security and stability.
"This is a historic moment," Defense Minister Pedro Sanchez said at a ceremony in the city of Pasto in the southwestern Andean region. He said that in the past two days, the group has handed over land mines, grenades and rockets to an army unit that is destroying them.
"We consider that the armed fight is obsolete, that there are new times and new needs. We refuse to return to war," said Royer Garzon, one of the leaders of the group.
The Comuneros del Sur's disarmament represents a significant milestone, as they are the only group among various rebel factions engaging in peace talks to successfully begin a transition to civilian life.
Colombia's struggle to maintain peace continues as the government engages with multiple armed groups, yet only the Comuneros del Sur have committed to laying down their arms.
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