How Far Can De la Espriella Really Go in Dismantling Total Peace and the FARC Peace Accord?

Colombian President Abelardo De la Espriella has taken steps to dismantle aspects of the Total Peace strategy implemented by his predecessor, Gustavo Petro. However, the constitution places certain restrictions on the president's authority in this matter. While ending negotiations with armed groups under Petro's guidance falls within presidential power, dismantling the 2016 Final Peace Agreement with the FARC is a more complex task.

This agreement led to constitutional reforms, new laws, institutions, and obligations for former combatants, making it difficult for a president to simply undo. De la Espriella emphasized this distinction when ordering the extradition of five individuals who had participated in peace processes under Petro's administration. The president stated that peace dialogues should not shield individuals from justice and that they must demonstrate a transition towards legality.

De la Espriella's government plans to focus on security, legality, and state authority while rejecting the so-called Total Peace approach. However, the extent to which the president can dismantle the peace framework is limited by laws passed by Congress, constitutional amendments, judicially protected institutions, and obligations stemming from the 2016 Final Agreement.

Total Peace can be dismantled more quickly through executive actions, but eliminating the FARC peace accord entirely requires legislative action.