Colombia’s ‘Total Peace’ plan: A failure or unfinished business for Petro?
Colombia's 'Total Peace' plan, aimed at ending decades of conflict, faces criticism as violence escalates and the number of active fighters has doubled since President Gustavo Petro took office. With the upcoming presidential election, candidates are debating the effectiveness of Petro's policy, with many pledging to abandon it. The situation remains dire for many Colombians, who continue to live in fear amid ongoing violence and restrictions imposed by armed groups.
- ▪The number of active fighters in Colombia's conflict has risen from about 13,000 in 2022 to roughly 27,000 by the end of 2025.
- ▪Violent incidents between armed groups reached their highest level in a decade, increasing by 34 percent over 2024.
- ▪Only one leading presidential candidate has committed to continuing the 'Total Peace' plan, while others have pledged to abandon it.
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Colombia’s ‘Total Peace’ plan: A failure or unfinished business?As Colombia prepares to elect a new president, candidates are debating the legacy of Gustavo Petro's efforts to end the country's conflict.A soldier patrols at night in Cucuta, Colombia, an area where rival rebel groups have exchanged attacks [Lucas Molet/Al Jazeera]A soldier patrols at night in Cucuta, Colombia, an area where rival rebel groups have exchanged attacks [Lucas Molet/Al Jazeera]By Catherine EllisPublished On 29 May 202629 May 2026SaveClick here to share on social mediashare-nodesSharefacebookxwhatsapp-strokecopylinkgoogleAdd Al Jazeera on GoogleinfoA stillness hung over the muddy waters of the Caguán River, on the fringes of the Colombian Amazon.In the town of Cartagena del Chairá, boats rested against the…
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