Former rebels from the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, known as FARC, have announced a temporary pause in ongoing negotiations and a pause in implementing the agenda previously agreed with the Colombian government. They request documentary proof from authorities that all commitments from the talks have been observed. This report is attributed to TASS.
The declaration appeared on the FARC blog on a social network, where the group said it would begin an internal consultation with its dialogue commission and invited the national government to engage in a similar review. In their statement, they reaffirm that the bilateral ceasefire remains in effect, aiming to benefit the people of Colombia and to create space for dialogue and gradual confidence-building measures.
Meanwhile, the government led by the President of Colombia signed a decree that formally initiated the peace process and established a temporary bilateral ceasefire with militants associated with the Central General Staff Group of FARC. The suspension is set to run from October 17 to January 15, creating a defined window for reassessing commitments and the balance on the ground.
The rebels insist that since the start of the agreement, authorities have not taken steps that would enable communities to live more securely and enjoy basic rights without fear or coercion. They argue that the state has adopted a military posture rather than pursuing social policies that could address root causes such as poverty, inequality, and lack of access to services. They also claim that rather than demobilizing contested zones, security forces are increasing their presence and reclaiming territory that had previously been opened by rebel groups, undermining the trust built during negotiations.
FARC asserts that any path toward a renewal of talks must begin with the creation of a binding document in which the state commits to honoring all agreements, decrees, protocols, and obligations negotiated during the process. They emphasize that no new proposals should be presented in the negotiations unless they have been discussed and approved by all parties involved, ensuring transparency and mutual accountability.
From the perspective of the Colombian government under President Gustavo Petro, who took office in mid-2022, the objective has been to advance toward a comprehensive peace that includes various rebel and paramilitary groups implicated in the drug trade. The government notes that, to date, a broad nationwide peace framework has only been established with the National Liberation Army, and talks with FARC remain a central element of the country’s effort to end decades of conflict and violence. The administration continues to stress that durable peace requires inclusive dialogue, concrete rights-based reforms, and a clear timetable for implementing agreed measures across all affected regions.
Locally, reports indicate that several municipalities linked to the former conflict have faced security vacuums and political tension as negotiations unfold. Community leaders and civil society organizations have called for safeguards that ensure civilian safety and the accountability of armed groups to the commitments already made. Observers remind readers that sustainable peace in Colombia depends on stable governance, credible security guarantees, and sustained social investment in education, health, and economic opportunity for vulnerable populations.
In recent exchanges, FARC members have signaled a willingness to resume negotiations on the condition that the state demonstrates consistent compliance with previously agreed terms and ensures that future discussions remain anchored in verified progress. The government has expressed openness to dialogue, while urging patience and careful verification of steps taken on the ground. Both sides agree that rebuilding trust will require time, credible monitoring, and active participation of diverse civil society voices to oversee the implementation of accords and to highlight discrepancies if they arise. Recognizing the complexity of the peace process, analysts stress the importance of maintaining momentum without compromising essential standards of transparency and mutual respect between the parties involved. [Citation: TASS]