Colombian ex-fighters in limbo after only 99 disarm under peace plan
Only 99 of Colombia's estimated 30,000 armed combatants disarmed under the previous government's 'total peace' plan, just before a new president who opposes such agreements took office. The former guerrillas, now in a government-controlled zone, are uncertain about their future as the new administration has resumed airstrikes against criminal groups.
The 99 former fighters were airlifted to a rural settlement in southern Colombia in mid-June, where they surrendered rifles, pistols, machine guns, and grenade launchers before burning their tactical gear and uniforms. They now live in a guarded zone of beige brick buildings, with soldiers patrolling the perimeter and no weapons permitted inside. Thirteen women are among the group, and residents pass time with phones, a makeshift gym, and an improvised football pitch.
Their protected status rests on a presidential decree that expires 25 December, though the new president could revoke it sooner. Armando Novoa, the former peace negotiator, warned that closing the zone and launching a military operation against these unarmed people would constitute a crime against humanity. The new administration has already resumed airstrikes against criminal groups.
This situation could set a precedent for how Colombia handles future disarmament efforts, potentially discouraging other armed groups from negotiating if the 99 are abandoned or prosecuted. The former fighters face genuine uncertainty, while local communities and peace advocates may see trust in state guarantees erode. The outcome could also shape international perceptions of Colombia's commitment to transitional justice, affecting foreign aid and diplomatic support for conflict resolution.