PEACE & CONFLICT
STUDIES
COLOMBIAN CONFLICT
MARIANA MARÍN - A01700942 PEDRO I. CASAS - A01206137
WAR
DOES NOT DETERMINE
WHO AND IS LEFT WHO IS RIGHT
- BERTRAND RUSSELL
HISTORY OF THE
CONFLICT IN CONTEXT
CAPITAL: Bogotรก GOVERNMENT PRESIDENT Juan Manuel Santos
VICE PRESIDENT Germรกn Vargas Lleras PRESIDENT OF THE CONGRESS Mauricio Lizcano PRESIDENT OF THE SUPREME COURT Margarita Cabello Blanco POPULATION: 49,034,411
The history of Colombia has been marked by an endless violence. The interaction between and underground criminal drug economy and the rise of armed guerrillas have challenged the State's authority and have exposed an economic deterioration and social disintegration (Rabasa & Chalk, 2001: 13) within the Colombian society. To clarify the conflict between the Colombian State and the subversive movements such as the guerrillas' groups, this research work will try to make an extensive analysis to determined its historical background, the contrasting perspectives, the regional and international implications and the actual situation. The Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia has turned 50 years old. One of the main elements of a civil conflict considered as one of the world's largest internally populations which have developed into the conflict we know today. The development of the warfare find its roots in four major reasons: (A) The social inequality and abuse of the peasants by the government and multinational corporations; (B) the two-party system tension between the liberal and conservative parties excluding other political representations; (C) the high influence of the Cuban revolution victory; (D) and the pressure of the United States to eradicate the smallest opportunity of communism expanding across Latin America.
HISTORY OF THE
CONFLICT According to Lozano (2006), the abuse and repression by the State to the peasant and workers preceded the civil conflict that originated in the 1960s. It started in 1928, with the slaughter of the “bananeras” in which the workers were punished during a strike to demand better conditions and help against the United Fruit Company, an American industry, that have left them jobless. In 1946, the Liberal and Communist parties denounced the mass killing of peasants fighting for an agrarian reform in order to end the abuse that they were suffering due to conservative landowners having the vast majority of the productive lands. Moreover, the assassination of Jorge Eliécer Galtánhad, a populist and liberal leader, stirred up the conflict between Liberals and Conservatives. During this violent period, known as La Violencia, urban riot killings and self-defense communities started operating as independent rural enclaves. Peasants and liberals declared isolated rural areas to free themselves from the unequal and inefficient response of the Government. Therefore, military attacks started as a campaign to restore political and economic peace. This event holds its climax when the Marquetalia Operation is launched by the Government, in which liberals, communists, and peasants were killed by the National Army. Finally, the most known Colombian guerrillas are created: FARC (Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia), EPL (Ejército Popular de Liberación), and the April 19th Movement (M-19) as a leftist sentiment against the oligarchies in power.
The second major cause was the formation of the “Frente Nacional” in 1958, which consisted of an agreement between the bipartisan parties to stop the war. They accorded to exchange the presidency, share the political positions and leave aside other political forms of representation (Bushnell, 1993). According to Palacios (2012), the centralization of power after the “Frente Nacional” was very successful, for both the liberals and conservatives. The leaders had the right to govern and influence at the same time the leaders at a regional level which as well influenced at a municipal level, concentrating the power and giving a highly vertical condition. As a society counteroffensive, Palacios (2012) explains that the creation of the “Ejército de Liberación Nacional” (ELN) was originated in the universities, among students that look forward to changing the political system, from a left wing position as the state became inefficient and lacked cohesive control over its national territory (Zohe, Campbell, & Dari, 2009: 6). This group came together to sign the Agrarian Program, becoming through the alliance of the FARC-EP, an offensive national entity with the support of the civilians. Another important factor that helped in the development of the subversive armed groups was the influence of the Cuban revolution victory. Palacios (2012) argues that the influence of the university students was really born through the literature formed around the Cuban revolution, in which they portray a new ideal revolutionary: A person with the intellectual lucidity that went to the field and crop with the neediest in order to respond to the social injustice that the capitalism brought to the all the States. This event joined students to different subversive movements.
Finally, the last cause of the uprising movements was the influence of the United States in the Colombian government. Ahumada et al (2000) mentions that different government US agencies created a counterinsurgency doctrine with the purpose of strengthening the military forces and legitimize the government's ruling over the Colombian State. This is why in Colombia developed a university reform in order to maintain them happily, as well as to agrarian reform that was not as successful as planned (Palacios, 2012). The conflict was transformed in early 1980's as the organized crime in Colombia started growing. By 1990, the drug boom and the presence of paramilitary forces became a stakeholder relationship to finance all illegal activities held by the guerrillas and paramilitary forces (Palacios, 2012: 89). Drug Trafficking revenue, tax on cocaine farmers, extortions and kidnappings became a major source of income for the guerrillas. These activities led them to lose the support of the Colombian population. In recent years, a peace process in Colombia has taken place. In 2012, a dialogue between the government and FARC-EP guerrilla group stated a 6-point plan including a process of reconciliation and justice for all the conflict's victims. Yet, on October 2nd, a referendum was held and rejected by the Colombian population.
CONFLICT
MAP
The following maps show that the guerrilla groups are not completely active in the entire Colombian territory. Its specific position covers key territory for coca cultivation and transportation across borders.
Image 1: Colombia's guerrillas position.
CONFLICT
MAP
Image 2: Armed guerilla groups and war in Colombia.
KEY EVENTS
TIMELINE 1948
1948-1957
1958-1978
Jorge Eliécer Gaitán, Mayor of Bogotá and presidential candidate, is assassinated. This event leads to "the Bogotazo", massive urban riots.
A ten-year civil war, known as "La Violencia", between Colombian Parties - Conservative and Liberal takes place.
The National Front is created as a bipartisan political alternation system between Liberals and Conservatives. Other political parties are banned.
1964-1966
MAY 1964
1960-1964
The Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), formed by survivors of Operation Marquetalia, is founded by Manuel Marulanda. The Southern Bloc, the first front of the guerrilla, is created.
The Colombian Army attacks Marquetalia enclave, a small selfdefense community formed by peasants, liberals, and communists.
The Accelerated Economic Development Plan is launched by the Colombian government to promote and subside industrial agribusiness against local farms and peasants.
1964
1970
1975
The 19 of April Movement (M-19) arises from an alleged fraud in the presidential elections. It began as a political movement and turned into an armed group.
Nationwide State of Siege is imposed by the President López Michelsen.
MAR 30, 1984
FEB 17, 1980
1978
The Corintio Agreement states a ceasefire negotiated by President Belisario Betancur. Amnesties are granted to guerrillas.
World-wide diplomats are taken hostages at the Dominican Republic Embassy by M-19 guerrillas.
President Turbay holds an intense campaign is held against drug traffickers and guerrillas groups.
Leftist National Liberation Army (ELN) and Maoist People’s Liberation Army (EPL) are formed. FARC becomes the armed wing of the Colombian Communist Party.
KEY EVENTS
TIMELINE 1985
NOV 6, 1985
1986-1990
The Patriotic Union Party (UP) is founded as a peace negotiation by the FARC and the Colombian Communist Party.
The Palace of Justice siege takes place by the M-19 guerrilla group. Twelve magistrates were killed.
The peace process is marked by a period of extreme violence due to drug cartels and paramilitary groups.
MAY 1991
JANUARY 1991
1987
Second attempt at peace process begins. Government attacks Casa Verde, FARCS headquaters,
1997
On a counter-offensive relatation FARC kill at least 17 security agents in a two day strike.
Ceasefire agreed in 1984 ends following the assassination of UP's presidential candidate, Jaime Pardo Leal.
1970
1975
The 19 of April Movement (M-19) arises from an alleged fraud in the presidential elections. It began as a political movement and turned into an armed group.
Nationwide State of Siege is imposed by the President Lรณpez Michelsen.
1998-2002
2001
2002
President Pastrana Arango initiates peace talks between the Government and guerrillas. The peace process ends after political figures are kidnapped.
Plan Colombia is launched to end drug wars. The US State Department lists FARC and the AUC as Foreign Terrorist Organizations.
Senator Ingrid Betancourt is kidnapped and held for six years.
A right-wing paramilitary organization is established, The United SelfDefence Forces of Colombia (AUC)..
Near the presidential palace where Alvaro Uribe Velez is inaugurated, 14 people are killed and 40 wounded in Bogota.
KEY EVENTS
TIMELINE 2005
2008
2009
Government forces seize on FARC stronghold, Tolima. They assault a marine base in Narino killing 16 people.
Manuel Marulanda, FARC founder, dies from a heart attack.
Plan Rebirth is launched by the FARC to intensify guerrilla warfare. It is counteracted by the Strategic Leap, a military offensive to eradicate guerrillas' presence.
2010
2011
NOV 15, 2011
The U.S. and Colombia sign Military Cooperation Agreement under the Uribe Administration to establish U.S. presence at military bases in Colombia.
Juan Manuel Santos, former Defence Minister, is elected President.
FARC announces Timoleon Jimenez, alias Timochenko, as the new leader of the group.
2016
2013
2012
A ceasefire is signed by the Farc and the government announcing they have reached a final peace agreement.
It is announce that both sides have an agreement on land reform. FARC agree to resume their relation with drugs trafficking.
OCT 2, 2016 Colombia reject the peace deal by 50.2% against to 49.8% in favour of the peace agreement.
Peace talks between FARC and the government start in Havana, Cuba. Farc declares a unilateral two-month ceasefire.
SEP 26, 2016 Timoncheko, FARC leader, and President Santos sign the peace agreement in Cartagena.
STAKEHOLDERS
MAP Paramilitary
Drug Trafficking
The following mapping identifies the key stakeholders in the Colombian system, assessing their interests to understand the complex system of relationships between key actors of the Colombian Conflict.
Civilians
USA Media
Government Armed Forces
Multinational Companies
Guerrillas National International NGO's
Alliance Informal Relation Conflict Close Relation
The European Union
Drug Producing
CONTRASTING
PERSPECTIVES
REGIONAL & GLOBAL
IMPLICATIONS
Colombia shares land borders with Brazil, Ecuador, Panama, Peru, and Venezuela. Its distinct presence in the Caribbean coast allows drug trafficking to go through and over the borders of the Colombian neighbors frontier (Hurtado, 2013: 8). According to Millet, "Colombia’s internal conflicts are producing a mounting array of political, diplomatic, economic, and security concerns on the part of Colombia and of its neighbors" (2002: 5). Based on Ramos (2008: 90-120), Millet (2012: 5-7) and Salas (2015: 140-157), the spillover of Colombia’s conflicts are presented in bullet list per country:
ECUADOR
VENEZUELA
Refugees had crossed the border. Plantations of illegal crops as well. Armed actors are having more activity near the share frontier. Ecuador became a strategic area for rebel logistical purposes. Economic and political problems due to the massive migration of Colombian population. Rising tide of crime and violence.
Money laundering, weapons shipping, and drug trafficking. Does not want the US influencing the region. Fear of illegal crop plantations and drug-processing laboratories in its territory. Mobilization of their military forces, to avoid conflict in its territory. Clashes between guerrillas forces and Venezuelan army shows the instability of the border. Colombian searching for asylum in Venezuela started a greater tide of Colombian refugees. This was identified as an increasing of national rising crime. Colombian paramilitaries treated to enter Venezuelan territory in Chávez administration continued to help guerrillas FARC camps are built inside Venezuelan territory. Chavez started negotiating with the insurgents, which denoted a diplomatic crisis between Venezuela and Colombia.
REGIONAL & GLOBAL
IMPLICATIONS Plantations of illegal crops had crossed the border. Ecological damage due to crop-eradication. Consumption of cocaine has increased and plantation of opium poppies as well. FARC moved supplies through Peru.
PERU Coca farmers began to protest anti-narcotics policies. Evo Morales, the Cocaleros leader, ran for president. His campaign was financed by FARC.
BOLIVIA Colombian army, insurgents and paramilitaries groups inside its national territory. Criminal activities linked to Colombian presence. Refugee tide of Colombian into Darien. This represented both a threat to the social and economic fragile balance of the region. FARC’s presence in the area of Colon, on the Caribbean end of the Canal.
PANAMA Border essentially uncontrolled. Colombian troops transited Brazilian territory freely. Brazilian narcotraffickers were selling large amounts of sophisticated weapons to the FARC
BRAZIL
REGIONAL & GLOBAL
IMPLICATIONS THE CARIBBEAN AND CENTRAL AMERICA
Arms trafficking from El Salvador, Guatemala, Nicaragua, and Suriname were destined for the rightwing paramilitaries. Ties between Colombian and Mexican organized crime acting in collusion. Latin America was undergoing a process of Colombianization.
GLOBAL
Direct impact of cross-border operations by illegal armed groups. Urban terrorism. The FARC, ELN, and AUC were added to the U.S. list of terrorist organizations; war on terrorism. IRA and ETA agents were involved in training FARC soldiers. The war on terrorism gave international profile to the Colombian State.
CURRENT
SITUATION The FARC and the Colombian State realized that neither of them will win the 52 years war by military means. The FARC was lost a lot of military power due to the heavy resources that the administration of Alvaro Uribe (2002-2010) invested in ending the war. However, the FARC continues to be an obstacle for the State and its neoliberal policies since they continue to control landowner through taxes and fear, representing a high expenditure both in taxes and security. Paramilitarism has also forced the displacement of millions of peasants.
PEACE
TALKS
Since the administration of Juan Manuel Santos in 2012 the talks between the State and the Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia for negotiating a peace treaty began (Estrada, 2013: 56). The crucial point in which they agreed on, and were submitted to a referendum were the following ones: Ceasing fire and putting down the weapons Finding justice for the victims of the war (those who confessed the crimes will have to do community work and remove land mines) Addressing drug trafficking Supporting rural development. Promoting wider political participation.
However, because of “No� campaigns against the treaty, specially from the former president Uribe, the the referendum didn’t approve the treaty, and both the State and the FARC sat down to modify the the agreement and came up with a second new peace treaty, however the agreement this time would not be submitted into a referendum but it would be the congress the actor that approves it. Nevertheless there are still in groups involved in the war such as the ELN and the AUC, even though it is expected that the violence decreases in Colombia. .
REFERENCES