Photo by Foj333
For years, there was a civil war between the Colombian military and the FARC, a rebel guerilla group. It finally ended in December, when the government and FARC agreed on a peace deal between the two groups.
CNN reports, “Colombia’s Congress has approved a historic peace agreement that will lead to the disarming of rebels in the 52-year conflict.”
During the war, hundreds of thousands of people were killed, tens of thousands kidnapped and millions of people displaced.
Al Jazeera explains, “Following 52 years of conflict involving various armed groups, right-wing paramilitaries, government forces, drug cartels and leftist guerrillas, the country was left with more than 200,000 people dead, 27,000 kidnapped, and six million displaced from their homes.”
There was another peace deal that was voted on by the public, but didn’t pass the vote to go into the government for approval.
BBC states, “But the public voted by a narrow margin not to approve the deal when it was put to a referendum in October.”
Those who are in FARC are confused on where to go next. The government is supposed to offer the jobs, yet many of the offers they have gotten so far are from criminal organizations.
Per CNN, “During the last two months, he said his field teams have encountered FARC soldiers asking what is going to happen to them, saying some members are already being offered work with criminal groups.”
FARC allowed for civilian and religious groups to enter its camps on October 30 to help people dialogue with the rebel group.
Al Jazeera reports, “FARC convened a ‘national vigil for peace’ on October 30, a unique occasion that allowed civilian and religious groups to enter its camps and open a dialogue.”
Opponents of the first peace deal, said there were too many concessions for FARC.
BBC explains, “Opponents to the deal said it gave too many concessions to the Farc, including leniency for those who had committed crimes during the conflict.”
The FARC benefited from a cocaine trafficking network and trained up child soldiers.
CNN states, “Funded by a sophisticated cocaine trafficking network and armed with child soldiers, the rallying cries to protect an agrarian society had begun to sound antiquated and obsolete.”
Christian Aid is serving in Colombia to share Christ’s hope with the people there. The safest way to do this, is by boat.
Christian Aid reports, “But the worst obstacle to travel in Colombia is its terrorists. Guerrillas, drug dealers, and extremist groups roam the countryside. They are in constant battle against each other, and innocent bystanders who get in their way will suffer. While they say they are rebelling against the oppressive government to help the poor, their actions contradict this claim.”
Please pray for those in FARC to get reputable jobs and that Christian Aid would be able to share Christ’s hope amid the chaos.
CNN: Colombia Congress approves deal with FARC
Al Jazeera: Civilians, FARC hold vigil following revised peace deal
