Gustavo Petro's Return to New York: A Mission for Peace
Colombian President Gustavo Petro is back in New York, a city where he feels a unique connection. This week, Petro will address the United Nations Security Council to discuss the challenges and delays in implementing the 2016 peace agreement between the Colombian government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). The agreement, which aimed to end decades of conflict, has faced numerous hurdles, necessitating an extension of the implementation period.
Addressing the UN Security Council
Petro's speech at the UN Security Council will focus on the insufficient progress in implementing the peace agreement. He plans to highlight the murder of ex-FARC combatants and the ongoing violence in certain regions. Despite the 15-year timeframe initially set for the agreement's implementation, Petro will argue for an extension of five to eight more years. He believes that bureaucratic, budgetary, and institutional barriers have hindered the process.
The Role of the Constituent Assembly
There has been speculation about Petro convening a National Constituent Assembly to address these issues. While Foreign Minister Luis Gilberto Murillo has denied that Petro will bring up the Constituent Assembly at the UN, the idea remains a point of discussion in Colombia. The assembly could help mobilize what Petro calls the 'constituent power,' inspired by philosopher Antonio Negri, to push forward the peace process.
In addition to his speech, Petro will meet with UN Secretary General António Guterres and inaugurate a monument made from melted FARC weapons, symbolizing the peace process. This visit to New York offers Petro a brief respite from the tensions back home, as he continues his lifelong campaign for peace.
- The peace agreement, signed in 2016 under President Juan Manuel Santos, aimed to transform the FARC into a political party known as Comunes. Despite some progress, the implementation has been fraught with difficulties. Former FARC commander Rodrigo Londoño, alias 'Timochenko,' has expressed concerns over the lack of significant progress and the ongoing threats faced by ex-combatants.
- Former President Santos has urged the current administration to focus on implementing the existing agreement rather than seeking constitutional reforms. He emphasized that political will and effective coordination are crucial for the peace process to succeed. Since 2016, over 400 ex-FARC members have been murdered, highlighting the urgent need for effective measures to protect them.
