Juan Manuel Santos on Colombia’s peace process, 10 years on
Ten years after Colombia’s landmark peace agreement, former president Juan Manuel Santos assesses its legacy. The Nobel Peace Prize laureate discusses renewed violence, political divisions and what C…
The former Colombian president reflects on peace, conflict and the return of violence. This report comes from Al Jazeera. The story centres on Juan M
Read Full Story at Al Jazeera →Why This Matters
The fate of Colombia’s 2016 peace accord reverberates far beyond its borders, serving as a test case for whether complex civil conflicts can be resolved through negotiation rather than force. Santos’ reflections offer a rare insider’s perspective on how fragile peace processes can survive political backlash and unfulfilled promises. In an era of rising armed violence across Latin America, his assessment carries implications for whether reconciliation is possible in fractured societies.
Background Context
Colombia’s peace deal with the FARC guerrillas ended a half-century war but left unresolved tensions with smaller armed groups and unaddressed rural inequality. Despite the Nobel Prize, Santos’ administration struggled to implement key provisions like rural development and victim reparations, fueling skepticism from both hardliners and former combatants. The 2018 election of Iván Duque—whose administration watered down aspects of the accord—exacerbated divisions over transitional justice and security guarantees.
What Happens Next
Santos’ sobering reflections suggest that without renewed political commitment, the peace process risks sliding into irreversible decline, particularly in conflict zones where dissident FARC factions and other armed groups now dominate. Upcoming local elections in October could further polarize debate over the accord’s future, while new negotiations with the ELN guerrillas remain stalled under President Petro’s government. The international community, once a vocal supporter, appears increasingly distracted by global crises.
Bigger Picture
The Colombian peace process mirrors broader patterns in post-conflict transitions, where initial optimism often collides with entrenched power structures and unmet expectations. Latin America’s shifting security landscape—marked by the rise of criminal governance and the erosion of state authority—raises questions about whether formal peace deals alone can stabilize societies fractured by decades of violence. Santos’ legacy underscores how even well-intentioned reforms can falter without sustained domestic buy-in and global attention.
