In Colombia, a new development has emerged as the government signals a fresh path toward peace with armed groups. The Central General Staff, a coalition associated with dissident factions of the FARC, announced the opening of a second peace process, marking a shift from the earlier 2016 accord that did not encompass these dissidents. This move comes amid ongoing attempts to formalize dialogue between state institutions and factions that remain outside the Havana peace framework.
The government stated that a formal table would be created to facilitate discussions with the Central General Staff. The message pointed to the leadership of Néstor Vera Fernández, known by the alias Iván Mordisco, as the figure directing the guerrilla group involved in the negotiations. Observers note that this development expands the scope of dialogue beyond groups already aligned with the national agreement, highlighting the evolving landscape of Colombia’s internal conflict and peace efforts.
A public note indicated that a peace process could be initiated through a structured dialogue between state authorities and the Central General Staff, with social and political actors watching closely for substantive progress and clarity on terms that may eventually influence broader regional stability.
In related coverage, national media reported remarks from the Attorney General regarding the status of arrest warrants for several guerrilla leaders associated with Iván Mordisco. The suspension of these warrants was framed as a matter of legal capacity and constitutional authority, enabling the government to pursue negotiations while navigating complex legal and political considerations. The Attorney General emphasized that the act of suspending warrants was tied to the organization’s political dimensions and its capacity to participate in formal conversations about peace with the national government.
According to officials, some of the individuals benefiting from the suspension of arrest warrants were signatories of the Havana Peace Agreement but had connections to the Central Joint Chiefs of Staff, an umbrella group that historically did not finalize an accord with the national government. This nuance reflects the ongoing tensions between different factions within the broader FARC umbrella and the state’s ongoing engagement with groups pursuing political routes to conflict resolution.
The discussions with the FARC dissidents form part of a broader peace context that also includes negotiations with the National Liberation Army, known as the ELN, the country’s other major guerrilla organization. The pursuit of dialogue with multiple armed groups signals a persistent effort to transition from armed confrontation to political processes and social reconciliation, even as trust and verification mechanisms remain central to any lasting settlement.
Central to the evolving situation is the leadership dynamic within the dissident networks. The Central General Staff has weathered internal debates and leadership transitions, with figures operating under aliases who have directed various allied structures. Despite internal claims of representing the authentic FARC voice, these groups have contested their own status and the interpretation of past agreements, complicating the path toward a coherent peace strategy that satisfies a broad spectrum of Colombian actors.
Analysts observe that the peace track involving the Central General Staff, alongside ongoing talks with the ELN, reflects a broader shift in Colombia toward inclusive dialogue. The government emphasizes that negotiations remain anchored in constitutional processes and the pursuit of political solutions, while critics caution about the practical challenges of integrating diverse factions into a unified peace framework. The situation continues to unfold across multiple fronts, with security, governance, and social reconciliation all playing central roles in the country’s path forward. reporting and official statements, with attribution to Caracol Radio and the Office of the Attorney General.