peace managers ” width=”1920″ height=”874″ srcset=”https://www.teleantioquia.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/vlcsnap-2024-11-16-11h23m42s794-e1731777613881.jpg 1920w, https://www.teleantioquia.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/vlcsnap-2024-11-16-11h23m42s794-e1731777613881-300×137.jpg 300w, https://www.teleantioquia.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/vlcsnap-2024-11-16-11h23m42s794-e1731777613881-1024×466.jpg 1024w, https://www.teleantioquia.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/vlcsnap-2024-11-16-11h23m42s794-e1731777613881-768×350.jpg 768w, https://www.teleantioquia.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/vlcsnap-2024-11-16-11h23m42s794-e1731777613881-1536×699.jpg 1536w” sizes=”(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px”/>The controversy continues over the appointment of peace managers. Photo: Archive
The appointment of 18 former paramilitary leaders as peace managers continues to generate controversy. A claim for annulment against resolution 453 of 2024, issued by the National Government, was filed before the Council of State, arguing that this decision lacks clear criteria and guarantees for the victims.
Among those appointed are names that have marked the recent history of the armed conflict, such as Salvatore Mancuso, Carlos Mario Jiménez, alias “Macaco”, and Rodrigo Tovar Pupo, alias “Jorge 40”, among others.
These leaders of the United Self-Defense Forces of Colombia (AUC) have been protagonists of judicial processes within the framework of the Justice and Peace Law, but some were expelled for repeat criminal offenses or non-compliance.
What does it mean to be a peace manager?
The figure of peace manager is part of the “total peace” strategy promoted by the government of President Gustavo Petro. This mechanism seeks to integrate various actors in the conflict into dialogue tables, with the aim of building sustainable peace and moving towards national reconciliation.
However, the appointment of former paramilitary leaders has sparked criticism for the lack of participation of victims in the process and for doubts about the true intentions of this measure. According to the plaintiffs, this decision could be in conflict with respect for the rights of those who have suffered the impact of the armed conflict.
Criticism and concerns of victims
Victim organizations have expressed their rejection of the appointment, pointing out that they have not been consulted or adequately compensated before making this decision. According to critics, the dialogue process must be framed in full respect for the guarantees of the victims and must prioritize their comprehensive reparation before opening new negotiating tables.
Ethical and legal implications
The debate is not limited to the criticism of the victims. Legal experts and opinion leaders have questioned the ethical and legal implications of the appointment. Some argue that appointing people with a history of serious crimes as peace managers can send a contradictory message about the fight against impunity in Colombia.
The government, for its part, has defended the resolution, pointing out that the inclusion of these leaders seeks to facilitate the construction of agreements that contribute to lasting peace. However, critics wonder what the legal framework for these negotiations will be and whether this could imply concessions that affect the rights of victims.
A measure within the framework of total peace
The appointment of the 18 former paramilitary leaders is part of the Petro government’s total peace policy, which seeks to negotiate with different armed actors, including dissident groups of the FARC, ELN and criminal organizations.
However, controversy has not been alien to this strategy. Since its inception, total peace has faced questions due to the apparent lack of transparency in some processes and the background of certain actors involved in the negotiations.
2024-11-17 16:14:00
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How does the exclusion of victims from the peace negotiations affect trust in the reconciliation efforts in Colombia?
**Interview with Dr. Mariana López, Peace Studies Expert**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. López. We’re discussing the recent appointment of former paramilitary leaders as peace managers in Colombia, which has stirred significant controversy. Can you explain the rationale behind the government’s decision to include such figures in the peace process?
**Dr. López:** Thank you for having me. The Colombian government, under President Gustavo Petro, is promoting what they call a “total peace” strategy, aiming to bring all parties involved in the conflict to the negotiating table. The inclusion of these former paramilitary leaders is intended to leverage their influence and experience in order to facilitate dialogue and reconciliation. However, this approach is deeply contested and has raised many ethical questions.
**Editor:** One of the major criticisms has been the lack of victim participation in this process. What implications does this have for the legitimacy of these peace managers?
**Dr. López:** Absolutely. The exclusion of victims from discussions regarding their own fate undermines the legitimacy of the peace process. Victims’ voices are crucial in ensuring that the reconciliation efforts address their traumas and needs. Critics argue that appointing individuals with such controversial histories perpetuates the cycle of violence rather than fosters genuine healing and dialogue.
**Editor:** Some of the appointed individuals have had multiple legal issues and were previously expelled from peace initiatives for non-compliance. How does this affect public trust in the peace management framework?
**Dr. López:** It significantly erodes public trust. Many people feel that this move rewards individuals with a history of violence and crime instead of holding them accountable for their past actions. The network of relationships between these leaders and the communities affected by their past actions is complex, and appointing them could be seen as a betrayal of the victims and their struggles for justice.
**Editor:** The claim for annulment against the government’s resolution highlights concerns about the criteria used for these appointments. What can you tell us about the importance of clear criteria in peace processes?
**Dr. López:** Clear criteria are essential in peace processes to build trust and ensure fairness. If the criteria aren’t transparent and inclusive, it raises doubts about the true intentions behind the appointments, which can lead to further polarization within society. Trust in the peace process hinges on transparency, accountability, and genuine dialogue, especially with those who have suffered the most.
**Editor:** what are the potential consequences for peace in Colombia moving forward?
**Dr. López:** The effectiveness of this peace management strategy will heavily depend on the government’s willingness to address the concerns raised by victims and the broader community. If these concerns remain unaddressed, we could see increased tensions and a resurgence of violence. Sustainable peace requires not just dialogue, but also a commitment to justice, accountability, and the inclusion of all voices in the process.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. López, for your insights on this critical issue. We appreciate your time.
**Dr. López:** Thank you for having me. It’s important that we continue to highlight these conversations for the sake of lasting peace in Colombia.
