Colombia’s de la Espriella ends negotiations with armed groups

Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella announced on September 11 the cessation of all remaining peace talks with armed groups in the country. The move comes after his predecessor, Gustavo Petro, implemented a "Total Peace" policy that saw numerous negotiations with criminal and terrorist organizations fail to achieve lasting peace.

De la Espriella argued that none of the previous dialogue processes demonstrated a genuine commitment to peace. Since taking office in August, the president has disbanded various negotiation tables, including those with the FARC, the Estado Mayor de los Bloques Magdalena Medio, and the Coordinadora Nacional Ejército Bolivariano.

In addition, the presidential administration has lifted temporary relocation zones for rebel groups in Putumayo and abandoned talks with the National Liberation Army and its offshoot, Comuneros de Sur. The decision also targets narco-paramilitary groups and criminal gangs from major cities like Medellín, Quibdó, and Buenaventura.

Former negotiator Armando Novoa expressed concern that some former combatants might return to armed conflict, potentially causing trouble for local communities and the region. Critics argue that the "Total Peace" policy wasted public funds on spokespersons, representatives, and negotiators, and that the number of armed actors in Colombia has risen from 13,000 in 2022 to 27,000 in 2025, indicating that the policy was ineffective in achieving its goals.