August 18, 2024 • 32 mins
Join me on Double Helix: Blueprint of Nations as we uncover Colombia's tireless pursuit of peace, spearheaded by President Juan Manuel Santos. In our deep dive, we'll examine the secret talks with the FARC initiated in 2012, the transformative negotiations in Havana, and the landmark agreements on rural development and political integration. We'll also discuss the critical role of the United Nations in disarmament and the establishment of the Special Jurisdiction for Peace (JEP), despite the initial plebiscite setback. This episode sheds light on the resilience and courage of the Colombian people at the heart of these historic efforts.
Discover the ongoing struggles that Colombia faces in implementing the 2016 peace agreement amid fierce political opposition and enduring violence from other armed groups like the ELN.
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:06):
Welcome to Double Helix Blueprint of Nations,
episode 1.5, peace Process andBeyond.
Over the past episodes, we'vejourneyed through Colombia's
(00:27):
turbulent history, from theroots of rebellion in its early
years through the rise ofguerrilla movements, the brutal
era of La Violencia and thedevastating impact of the
cocaine cartels on the Colombianconflict.
In this episode, we'll talkabout how, after nearly five
decades of endless conflict andviolence, colombia finally began
(00:48):
the process of reaching apolitical settlement to its
endless disagreements.
We'll also learn about theresilience of the Colombian
people and their stories ofcourage and determination in the
face of seemingly impossibleodds.
Finally, we'll review thecurrent state of the conflict
and we'll talk about the mostimportant aspect of this
impossible odds.
Finally, we'll review thecurrent state of the conflict
and we'll talk about the mostimportant aspect of this whole
(01:09):
story.
The Colombian people Imagine acountry where the soundtrack of
everyday life is a mix ofgunfire, explosions and the
occasional hum of helicopterblades overhead.
That was Colombia in the late1980s and early 1990s.
It was a place where, insteadof worrying about morning
(01:29):
traffic, people worried aboutnot getting caught in the
crossfire of a street shootoutor being kidnapped by one of the
many armed groups vying forcontrol.
So when President Juan ManuelSantos decided to push for peace
talks with the RevolutionaryArmed Forces of Colombia, the
FARC, you can bet he wasn'texpecting a walk in the park.
(01:51):
Let's rewind a bit.
By the time Santos came intooffice in 2010, colombia had
been through the ringer.
Years of brutal conflictbetween the government, various
guerrilla groups andparamilitaries, not to mention
the drug cartels we've talkedabout, had left the country in a
state of perpetual chaos.
(02:11):
Santos, who had served asdefense minister under the
hardline president Álvaro Uribe,knew firsthand that a purely
military solution just wasn'tcutting it.
If anything, it was like tryingto put out a fire with a
flamethrower.
So Santos, with a mix ofpolitical savvy and, let's be
(02:32):
honest, sheer desperation,decided it was time to try
something different.
Secret exploratory talks withFark began in 2012, eventually
leading to formal negotiationsin Havana, cuba.
And no, it wasn't for themojitos and the cigars, although
this might have helped duringthe marathon sessions.
(02:52):
The real draw was a neutralground where both sides could
talk without fearing a surpriseraid or ambush.
Now, if you're picturing ascene from a spy movie, with
shadowy figures meeting in dimlylit rooms, you're not too far
off.
The early days of thenegotiations were shrouded in
secrecy, partly to avoid theinevitable backlash from
(03:16):
skeptics on both sides.
After all, it's hard toconvince a country that has
known nothing but war fordecades that peace is a viable
option.
These talks weren't just yourrun-of-the-mill negotiations.
They were a labyrinth of issuesthat needed addressing, each
more complex than the last Landreform, political participation,
(03:38):
drug trafficking, victims'rights.
Each topic was like opening acan of worms only to find
another, even larger can ofworms inside.
And yet, despite the odds,there was progress.
One of the first breakthroughswas an agreement on rural
development.
For a country where landdisputes had fueled much of the
(04:00):
conflict, this was a big deal.
The idea was to promoteequitable access to land,
improve rural infrastructure andprovide economic opportunities
for marginalized communities.
Easier said than done right,but it was a start and it set
the tone for the rest of thenegotiations.
(04:20):
Political participation wasanother hot-button issue.
Integrating former FARC membersinto the political process was
akin to inviting your longtimeenemy to your dinner party and
asking them to carve the turkey.
There was significantresistance, but the agreement
eventually allowed FARC to forma political party and compete in
(04:43):
elections.
This was supposed to give thema peaceful way to express their
views and advocate for theirsupporters.
Disarmament, demobilization andreintegration, or DDR, were the
next hurdles.
Farc agreed to lay down theirarms and transition from a
guerrilla group to a politicalmovement.
(05:03):
The United Nations stepped into oversee the disarmament
process, which involvedcollecting and destroying
thousands of weapons.
Sounds simple enough, but itwas a logistical nightmare.
Imagine trying to collect andsafely dispose of weapons
scattered across some of themost remote and hostile terrains
in the world.
(05:25):
Then there was the issue oftransitional justice.
The agreement established theSpecial Jurisdiction for Peace,
or the JEP, a tribunal designedto address victims' rights and
hold those responsible forserious crimes accountable.
It was a delicate balancebetween justice and practicality
(05:45):
, offering reduced sentences forthose who fully disclosed their
involvement in crimes andcontributed to reparation
efforts.
Human rights advocate JeanetteBedoya herself a survival of
violence put it succinctly fortrue reconciliation, the voices
of victims must be heard andtheir suffering acknowledged.
We will talk more aboutJeanette later in the episode.
(06:09):
Of course, it wasn't all smoothsailing.
The 2016 plebiscite to ratifythe agreement narrowly failed,
reflecting deep divisions withinthe country.
But, like a bad movie sequel,the story didn't end there.
The government and FARC revisedthe agreement to address some
of the concerns raised byopponents, and it was eventually
(06:31):
ratified by the ColombianCongress, and thus a flicker of
hope emerged from the darkness.
The groundwork had been laid,but the real test was just
beginning.
Would disagreements hold up inthe face of political opposition
, ongoing violence anddeep-seated mistrust?
Only time would tell.
(06:52):
Now let's dive into the nuts andbolts of the 2016 peace
agreement, a document that wasas dense and intricate as a
novel by Gabriel Garcia Marquez.
This wasn't just a piece ofpaper.
It was a lifeline for a countryweary of war.
The 2016 peace agreement,signed on November 24th in
Bogota, marked a significantmilestone in Colombia's history.
(07:15):
Picture this After decades ofrelentless violence, the leaders
of the Colombian government andFARC sat down and shook hands,
symbolizing a collective sigh ofrelief that echoed across the
nation.
But what exactly did thisagreement entail?
First up, we had ruraldevelopment.
Historian Stephen Dudleyemphasized that addressing rural
(07:38):
poverty and inequality wascrucial to preventing the
resurgence of violence.
Sustainable peace in Colombiahinges on transforming the
countryside where grievanceshave fueled the conflict for
generations.
The agreement focused onpromoting equitable access to
land, improving ruralinfrastructure and providing
economic opportunities formarginalized communities.
(08:00):
This wasn't just a band-aidsolution.
It aimed to tackle the rootcause of the conflict head-on.
Next, political participation.
Imagine trying to convince anation to allow former guerrilla
fighters a seat at thepolitical table.
It's like asking them to letthe fox guard the henhouse.
(08:21):
Yet that's precisely whathappened.
The agreement allowed FARC totransition into a political
party, giving them a platform tovoice their views peacefully.
This move was groundbreaking,even if it did raise more than a
few eyebrows.
Then came the Herculean task ofdisarmament, demobilization and
(08:42):
reintegration the DDR ofdisarmament, demobilization and
reintegration the DDR.
The United Nations played acrucial role here, overseeing
the collection and destructionof thousands of weapons.
Imagine coordinating acountrywide cleanup of the
lethal hardware scattered acrossjungles and mountains.
It was like playing a deadlygame of hide-and-seek.
Former combatants were supposedto turn in their arms at
(09:04):
designated zones, under thewatchful eye of UN observers.
These zones were known astransitional normalization zones
and became temporary homes forex-fighters as they adjusted to
civilian life.
But what about justice for thecountless victims?
Enter the Special Jurisdictionfor Peace or the JEP.
(09:24):
Enter the Special Jurisdictionfor Peace or the JEP.
This tribunal was designed toaddress the rights of victims
and hold perpetratorsaccountable.
And it wasn't just aboutvengeance.
It was about truth andreconciliation.
Reduced sentences were offeredto those who fully disclosed
their involvement in seriouscrimes and contributed to
reparations.
Human rights advocate JeanetteBedoya Lima, who we will hear
(09:47):
more from later, survivedhorrific violence and she
underscored the importance ofthis approach.
She said For truereconciliation, the voices of
victims must be heard and theirsuffering acknowledged.
Implementing the agreement was amonumental challenge.
The initial steps includedsetting up these normalization
(10:07):
zones and launching ruraldevelopment projects.
However, as with ambitiousprojects, obstacles were
plentiful.
Political opposition was alsofierce, particularly from former
President Álvaro Uribe and hisallies, who argued that the deal
was way too lenient on FARCmembers.
This political resistancecreated a polarized environment,
(10:29):
making it difficult to buildthe broad consensus needed to
fully implement the agreement.
Violence from other armedgroups, such as the ELN and
various criminal organizations,persisted and even escalated in
some areas.
These groups sought to fill thepower vacuum left by FARC,
continuing to engage in illegalactivities such as drug
(10:50):
trafficking and extortion.
This ongoing violenceundermined efforts to stabilize
the country and create a secureenvironment for development.
Moreover, the promised ruraldevelopment and land reform,
which were crucial components ofthe peace agreement, faced
significant delays.
The Colombian governmentstruggled with the logistical
(11:11):
and financial demands of theseinitiatives, leaving many rural
communities feeling neglectedand frustrated.
Economist James Robinsonmentions that inclusive economic
institutions are essential forsustainable development and
peace.
Without them, inequality anddiscontent will persist.
The role of social leaders andactivists in promoting peace and
(11:33):
advocating for theircommunities also became
increasingly important duringthis period.
These individuals often workedin dangerous conditions, facing
threats and violence from thosewho opposed their efforts.
Human rights organizationsreported numerous cases of
social leaders being targetedfor their work, highlighting the
ongoing risk that they faced.
(11:54):
Leaders being targeted fortheir work, highlighting the
ongoing risk that they face.
One poignant example is thestory of Francia Marquez, an
environmental activist andsocial leader from the Cauca
region.
Marquez, who has receivednumerous international
recognitions for her work, hasfaced numerous threats and
attempts in her life.
Despite these dangers, shecontinues to advocate for the
(12:14):
rights of Afro-Colombians andindigenous communities,
highlighting the vital role ofgrassroots activism in the peace
process.
International support remainedcrucial on aiding Colombia's
transition.
Various countries andorganizations provided funding,
technical assistance andoversight to help implement the
peace agreement.
The United Nations, forinstance, played a significant
(12:37):
role in monitoring thedisarmament process, as we've
discussed, and in supportingtransitional justice initiatives
.
So we are now at the GrandPeace Agreement of 2016.
And it is finally signed,sealed and well, not quite
delivered, because, as it turnsout, crafting a peace agreement
(12:58):
is the easy part.
Implementing it that's a wholeother ballgame and, as Columbia
was about to learn, it's a gamewith some pretty high stakes.
Let's start with the disarmamentprocess.
Imagine again trying to collectall these weapons and safely
destroy thousands of them all,while ensuring that former
guerrillas don't just stash awaya few for a rainy day.
(13:20):
The United Nations did step into help overseeing the
disarmament zones where formerFARC members turned in their
arms.
These zones were scatteredacross the country, from the
dense jungles of the Amazon tothe rugged mountains of
Antioquia.
It was like herding cats, armed, distrustful cats.
But it wasn't just aboutcollecting weapons.
(13:43):
The ex-combatants needed totransition into civilian life, a
process that was about as easyas turning a battleship on a
dime.
But they were provided withvocational training, education
and support to start new lives.
Erica Montero, a former FARCfighter, is one such example.
She joined FARC as a teenagerand, after the peace deal,
(14:06):
enrolled in a reintegrationprogram.
Today she's a community leaderhelping other ex-combatants
navigate the treacherous pathback to normalcy.
However, the path was anythingbut smooth.
Political opposition showed up,and it was particularly from
hardliners, like we said,president Álvaro Uribe, and it
(14:27):
was fierce.
They saw the agreement as waytoo lenient, essentially a
get-out-of-jail-free card forterrorists.
This created a polarizedpolitical climate, making it
difficult to build the consensusneeded for effective
implementation.
The plebiscite to ratify thepeace agreement narrowly failed,
as we mentioned, but thegovernment and the FARC pushed
(14:48):
through revising the deal andgetting it through Congress.
And then there were other armedgroups.
The FARC stepped back, but thenthe ELN and various criminal
organizations the infamousBACRIM saw an opportunity to
expand their influence.
These groups, involved in drugtrafficking, illegal mining and
extortion, continued to do theirwork.
(15:11):
The government's focus shiftedto these new threats, but the
violence persisted, especiallyin rural areas.
In addition to ongoing violence, the promised rural development
and land reform facedsignificant delays.
Bureaucratic inefficiencies,lack of funding and resistance
from powerful landowners slowedprogress.
Many rural communities feltabandoned, their dreams of a
(15:35):
better life put on hold.
International support alsoremained crucial in aiding
Colombia's transition.
The European Union alsoprovided substantial financial
assistance for developmentprojects aimed at improving
infrastructure, education andhealthcare in conflict-affected
areas.
These efforts were vital foraddressing the root cause of
(15:55):
violence and promoting long-termstability.
All right, we've covered a lotof ground today, from the
details of the 2016 peaceagreement to the uphill battle
of its implementation.
It's clear that Colombia'sjourney to peace is anything but
straightforward, but amid thechaos, there is a thread of
resilience that runs deep.
(16:16):
I think it's time to shine alight on the real heroes of this
story the survivors, thefighters, the everyday
Colombians who've faced downviolence and refused to give up.
Let's kick things off withJesús Abad Colorado, a
photojournalist whose work hasgiven a voice to those silenced
by conflict.
(16:36):
Born in Medellin, colorado'sfamily was displaced by violence
when he was just a boy.
Instead of letting his darkchapter define them, he turned
his experiences into a mission.
His haunting yet powerfulphotographs document the war's
impact on everyday people,ensuring that their stories are
not lost in the annals ofhistory.
(16:57):
His work has been instrumentalin preserving the collective
memory of Colombia's struggle.
And then there is JeanetteBedoya Lima.
We talked about her before.
Now.
If there is a person whoembodies resilience, it is
Jeanette.
In 2000, while investigatingarms trafficking, she was
kidnapped, tortured and sexuallyassaulted by paramilitaries.
(17:21):
But the death stopper?
Not a chance.
Jeanette has since become afierce advocate for the rights
of women and victims of sexualviolence.
Her relentless pursuit ofjustice led to a landmark ruling
by the Inter-American Court ofHuman Rights holding the
Colombian state accountable forfailing to protect her.
She's taken her trauma andturned it into a crusade for
(17:43):
justice, shining a globalspotlight on the plight of women
in conflict.
Next we head to Bojaya.
In Choco, on May 2nd 2002,during a brutal clash between
FARC guerrillas andparamilitaries, a FARC mortar
shell struck a church wherevillagers had sought refuge,
killing at least 79 people.
(18:04):
Leiner Palacios Azprilla, wholost 32 relatives in that
massacre, has become a leadingadvocate for peace and justice
in his community.
Thanks to his tireless efforts,bojaya has not only secured
reparations, but also hostedFARC leaders in 2016 who came to
(18:26):
apologize to the community.
Leiner's story is one ofturning unimaginable grief into
a force for reconciliation, andlet's not forget the collective
efforts of communities.
In San Carlos in Antioquia, theMemory House initiative has
become a beacon of hope.
It's a space where residentscome together, share their
stories and preserve the memoryof their experiences during the
(18:48):
conflict.
Historian and peace activistGonzalo Sanchez aptly said
Memory and storytelling arepowerful tools for healing.
They allow communities toprocess their trauma, recognize
their shared experiences andbuild a foundation for a more
peaceful future Over in thecommunity.
In Bojaya, the communitycontinues to take incredible
(19:10):
efforts to rebuild after themassacre.
They reclaimed their land,rebuilt their homes and created
a memorial to honor the victims.
Their determination to preservetheir cultural heritage and
maintain their traditions isnothing short of inspiring.
These stories are a testamentto the resilience and strength
of the Colombian people.
Remember way back at thebeginning of this series, when
(19:33):
it all began, I talked to youabout the resilience and the
courage of the Colombian people.
Despite facing immenseadversity, they continue to
advocate for peace, for justice,for reconciliation.
Their courage and determinationoffer powerful lessons in the
human spirit's capacity toovercome even in the darkest of
(19:54):
times.
As we reflect on these stories,it becomes clear that the path
to peace in Colombia is pavedwith the bravery and the
perseverance of countlessindividuals and communities.
Their efforts to heal andrebuild are a beacon of hope in
the future of this troublednation.
Okay, so we tackled thedisarmament, the uphill battle
(20:15):
of implementing the peaceagreement, and now let's talk
about the current state ofaffairs because, spoiler alert,
the Colombian conflict didn'tjust magically disappear.
In fact, the situation today islike a complicated soap opera,
full of unexpected twists andlingering tensions.
It is like a really good orreally bad telenovela, depending
(20:38):
on your point of view, Isuppose.
First off, let's talk about theELN, or Ejército de Liberación
Nacional.
These guys are like the kid whodidn't get the memo that the
party was over.
These guys are like the kid whodidn't get the memo that the
party was over.
While FARC was busy laying downarms and turning into a
political party, the ELN wasdoubling down on its guerrilla
activities.
Kidnappings, bombings andattacks on security forces yes,
(21:03):
still happening.
These folks didn't just fadeinto the background.
They filled the void left byFARC, particularly in rural
areas where government presenceis as rare as a unicorn.
The ELN isn't the only player onthe field, though.
The various criminalorganizations we mentioned
before.
The BACRIM Bandas Criminaleshas sprung up like mushrooms
(21:24):
after a rainstorm.
These groups are a motley crewof former paramilitaries, new
criminal enterprises andeveryone in between.
Their business, drugs, illegalmining, extortion, you name it.
The power vacuum left by FARC'sdemobilization created the
perfect breeding ground forthese groups.
It's like playing whack-a-moleKnock one down, two more pop up.
(21:47):
The persistence of violence fromthese groups has severe
repercussions for civilianpopulations across Colombia.
Displacement remains a criticalissue, with thousands of people
forced to flee their homes dueto conflict-related threats.
According to the InternationalDisplacement Monitoring Center,
colombia has one of the highestnumbers of internally displaced
(22:08):
persons or IDPs in the world.
One of the highest numbers ofinternally displaced persons or
IDPs in the world.
The impact on communities isprofound, disrupting lives,
livelihoods and access toessential services, and it's not
just the armed groups causingheadaches.
Political resistance to thepeace process remains very
strong.
Remember former PresidentÁlvaro Uribe.
He's still around leading thecharge against the peace
(22:31):
agreement.
His political party, theDemocratic Center, has been
vocal in its criticism, arguingthat the deal was way too
lenient on FARC members.
This ongoing politicaltug-of-war makes it challenging
to implement the peace agreementfully.
Economic development,especially in rural areas,
continues to lag.
The promised land reforms andinfrastructure projects have
(22:54):
been slow to materialize.
Bureaucratic red tape, lack offunding and resistance from
those powerful landowners theseissues are like anchors dragging
down the entire process.
In the face of these challenges,the role of social leaders and
activists is more crucial thanever.
These brave souls are often theglue holding communities
(23:14):
together, advocating for peaceand justice despite facing those
significant risks.
Unfortunately, being a socialleader in Colombia can be a
deadly occupation.
Since the signing of the peaceagreement, hundreds of activists
have been murdered.
Human rights organizations havedocumented these alarming
numbers, highlighting theongoing dangers that they face.
(23:35):
The international communitycontinues to call for greater
protection and support for thesebrave individuals.
Finally, let's not forget aboutthe drug trade, that persistent
thorn in Colombia's side.
Despite efforts to curb cocacultivation, the country remains
a major player in the globalcocaine market.
Joint operations, intelligencesharing and efforts to dismantle
(23:58):
trafficking networks have hadsome success, but the drug
trade's adaptability andresilience continue to pose
challenges.
Political scientist BruceBagley puts it bluntly the fight
against drug traffickingrequires a coordinated,
multifaceted approach thataddresses both supply and demand
, as well as the socioeconomicconditions that fuel the trade.
(24:20):
The current state of theconflict in Colombia shows us
that it is clear that, whilesignificant progress has been
made, many challenges remain.
The journey towards lastingpeace is complex and it's an
ongoing process.
It requires concerted effortsfrom the government, civil
society and the internationalcommunity.
The resilience and adaptabilityof the criminal networks,
(24:42):
combined with deep-rooted socialand economic issues, which
still persist, ensure thatColombia's journey towards peace
remains fraught with challenges, which still persist.
Ensure that Colombia's journeytowards peace remains fraught
with challenges.
So we are finally here at theend of the Colombian journey.
First, let's zoom out and seethe big picture.
Colombia's conflict isn't justa local issue.
It's a microcosm of broaderglobal dynamics.
(25:05):
The roots of the conflictstretch back to the early 19th
century, during the chaoticyears of La Patria Boba or the
Foolish Fatherland.
I'm sure you remember that thiswas a time when the newly
independent Colombia was tryingto find his feet, only to be
pulled apart by regionalrivalries and ideological
battles.
The centralists and thefederalists, each with their
(25:36):
vision of Colombia's future, setthe stage for a pattern of
division that would become arecurring theme in the country's
history.
Fast forward to the 20thcentury and we see these
divisions deepen and morph intonew forms.
The assassination of JorgeEliezer Gaitán in 1948 was a
flashpoint that triggered LaViolencia, a decade of brutal
civil conflict between liberalsand conservatives.
And this period wasn't justmarked by political battles but
by the atrocities that left deepscars in the Colombian psyche.
(25:58):
The violence of La Violencialaid the groundwork for the
modern conflict, embedding aculture of violence and
retribution that would beexploited by various armed
groups.
Then enter the guerrillamovements.
By the 1960s, groups like FARCand ELN emerged, driven by
deep-seated social and economicgrievances, land distribution
(26:19):
issues, rural poverty andpolitical exclusion fueled their
rise.
These groups weren't justfighting a government.
They were fighting against asystem that they believed had
failed the Colombian people.
The guerrillas promised landreform, social justice and a
voice for the marginalized, buttheir methods often mirrored the
brutality they sought to end.
(26:42):
And then the 1980s hit, and withit the cocaine trade exploded
and entered Pablo Escobar andthe Medellin cartel.
It wasn't just another criminalenterprise.
It was a force that transformedthe conflict.
The wealth and power generatedby the cocaine trade fueled
violence, corruption andinstability, making it even more
(27:03):
challenging to achieve peace.
Escobar's war against theColombian state brought a new
level of terror, with bombings.
Escobar's war against theColombian state brought a new
level of terror, with bombings,assassinations and kidnappings
becoming commonplace.
But it wasn't just theguerrillas and the cartels.
We had paramilitary groupsinitially formed to combat the
guerrillas, but that laterbecame a major player in their
own right.
Funded by landowners, drugtraffickers and even
(27:30):
multinational corporations akaUnited Fruit Company these
groups committed atrocities thatrivaled those of any guerrilla
faction.
The paramilitaries waged a warof terror when rural communities
used violence to maintaincontrol and protect their
interests.
Yet amidst all this chaos andbloodshed, we've seen something
remarkable the resilience of theColombian people.
(27:52):
Despite the endless cycles ofviolence, colombians have
continually fought for peace,for justice and for a better
future.
They've endured unimaginablehardships but have shown an
incredible capacity to resistand rebuild.
Communities have come togetherto support one another, to
resist and rebuild.
Communities have come togetherto support one another.
(28:13):
Social leaders have risen toadvocate for change and a
collective spirit ofperseverance has driven the
nation forward.
This resilience is not just afootnote.
It is the heart of theColombian story.
The peace process, whilefraught with challenges,
represents a significant steptowards reconciliation.
While fraught with challenges,represents a significant step
towards reconciliation.
The courage of social leaders,the efforts of grassroots
(28:35):
movements and the commitment ofordinary Colombians to rebuild
their country are stories ofhope and perseverance that
deserve recognition.
Understanding the Colombianconflict is essential for
several reasons.
First, it provides a lensthrough which to view the
complexities of modern conflictsworldwide.
The interplay of politicalideologies, social inequalities,
(28:58):
economic interests andinternational influences in
Colombia is a blueprint for manyof the conflicts that we see
today.
Second, this conflicthighlights the resilience and
strength of the Colombian people.
Despite decades of violence,colombians have continually
fought for a better future.
Their resilience is a testamentto the human spirit's capacity
(29:22):
to endure and overcome, even inthe darkest of times.
Finally, to understand Colombiatoday, you must understand its
past.
The shadows of La Patria Boba,the War of a Thousand Days, la
Violencia, the guerrillas andthe cocaine wars still loom
large.
The political landscape, socialstructures and even cultural
(29:44):
identity of Colombia have beenshaped by this long and brutal
conflict.
By understanding this history,we gain insights into the
challenges Colombia faces andthe incredible progress it has
made.
As we conclude this series,let's remember the story of
Colombia is far from over.
It's a story of struggle andsurvival, of despair and hope.
(30:06):
It's a story that reminds us ofthe complexities of human
societies and the enduring questfor peace, justice and societal
harmony.
Thank you for joining me on thisjourney through the Colombian
conflict.
And so we've reached the end ofour journey through the
(30:30):
Colombian conflict.
It has been an eye-openingexperience for me, one filled
with admiration and respect forthe Colombian people.
Their tenacity and resiliencein the face of relentless
adversity is truly inspiring.
At the same time, I've beendeeply saddened and shocked by
the extent of the violence andthe things humans will do to one
(30:52):
another.
But I am glad I took thisjourney.
It made me more curious aboutColombia and eager to explore
other aspects of the nation thatI may not have been as familiar
with before.
Growing up in Venezuela, Ialways saw the headlines about
Colombia the bombings,kidnappings, but I never
understood what was behind allthat.
(31:13):
I hope this series has givenyou a better appreciation for
Colombia, its struggles and itspeople, just as it has for me.
But now it is time to move on.
We're heading into the history,events and study of another
major civil war, one that hasdefined an entire nation in
(31:33):
countless ways.
We're making our way back tothe United States to explore the
United States Civil War.
Don't forget to follow, shareand rate the podcast.
If you've enjoyed what you'veheard or want to hear more,
that's the best way to supportus.
Enjoyed what you've heard orwant to hear more?
That's the best way to supportus.
We're also active on Facebook,twitter and Instagram, where
I've posted images and contentrelated to each of the episodes
(31:56):
we cover on Colombia.
Thank you once again and seeyou next time on Double Helix.
Blueprint of Nations.
Welcome to Double Helix Blueprint of Nations,
episode 1.5, peace Process andBeyond.
Over the past episodes, we'vejourneyed through Colombia's
(00:27):
turbulent history, from theroots of rebellion in its early
years through the rise ofguerrilla movements, the brutal
era of La Violencia and thedevastating impact of the
cocaine cartels on the Colombianconflict.
In this episode, we'll talkabout how, after nearly five
decades of endless conflict andviolence, colombia finally began
(00:48):
the process of reaching apolitical settlement to its
endless disagreements.
We'll also learn about theresilience of the Colombian
people and their stories ofcourage and determination in the
face of seemingly impossibleodds.
Finally, we'll review thecurrent state of the conflict
and we'll talk about the mostimportant aspect of this
impossible odds.
Finally, we'll review thecurrent state of the conflict
and we'll talk about the mostimportant aspect of this whole
(01:09):
story.
The Colombian people Imagine acountry where the soundtrack of
everyday life is a mix ofgunfire, explosions and the
occasional hum of helicopterblades overhead.
That was Colombia in the late1980s and early 1990s.
It was a place where, insteadof worrying about morning
(01:29):
traffic, people worried aboutnot getting caught in the
crossfire of a street shootoutor being kidnapped by one of the
many armed groups vying forcontrol.
So when President Juan ManuelSantos decided to push for peace
talks with the RevolutionaryArmed Forces of Colombia, the
FARC, you can bet he wasn'texpecting a walk in the park.
(01:51):
Let's rewind a bit.
By the time Santos came intooffice in 2010, colombia had
been through the ringer.
Years of brutal conflictbetween the government, various
guerrilla groups andparamilitaries, not to mention
the drug cartels we've talkedabout, had left the country in a
state of perpetual chaos.
(02:11):
Santos, who had served asdefense minister under the
hardline president Álvaro Uribe,knew firsthand that a purely
military solution just wasn'tcutting it.
If anything, it was like tryingto put out a fire with a
flamethrower.
So Santos, with a mix ofpolitical savvy and, let's be
(02:32):
honest, sheer desperation,decided it was time to try
something different.
Secret exploratory talks withFark began in 2012, eventually
leading to formal negotiationsin Havana, cuba.
And no, it wasn't for themojitos and the cigars, although
this might have helped duringthe marathon sessions.
(02:52):
The real draw was a neutralground where both sides could
talk without fearing a surpriseraid or ambush.
Now, if you're picturing ascene from a spy movie, with
shadowy figures meeting in dimlylit rooms, you're not too far
off.
The early days of thenegotiations were shrouded in
secrecy, partly to avoid theinevitable backlash from
(03:16):
skeptics on both sides.
After all, it's hard toconvince a country that has
known nothing but war fordecades that peace is a viable
option.
These talks weren't just yourrun-of-the-mill negotiations.
They were a labyrinth of issuesthat needed addressing, each
more complex than the last Landreform, political participation,
(03:38):
drug trafficking, victims'rights.
Each topic was like opening acan of worms only to find
another, even larger can ofworms inside.
And yet, despite the odds,there was progress.
One of the first breakthroughswas an agreement on rural
development.
For a country where landdisputes had fueled much of the
(04:00):
conflict, this was a big deal.
The idea was to promoteequitable access to land,
improve rural infrastructure andprovide economic opportunities
for marginalized communities.
Easier said than done right,but it was a start and it set
the tone for the rest of thenegotiations.
(04:20):
Political participation wasanother hot-button issue.
Integrating former FARC membersinto the political process was
akin to inviting your longtimeenemy to your dinner party and
asking them to carve the turkey.
There was significantresistance, but the agreement
eventually allowed FARC to forma political party and compete in
(04:43):
elections.
This was supposed to give thema peaceful way to express their
views and advocate for theirsupporters.
Disarmament, demobilization andreintegration, or DDR, were the
next hurdles.
Farc agreed to lay down theirarms and transition from a
guerrilla group to a politicalmovement.
(05:03):
The United Nations stepped into oversee the disarmament
process, which involvedcollecting and destroying
thousands of weapons.
Sounds simple enough, but itwas a logistical nightmare.
Imagine trying to collect andsafely dispose of weapons
scattered across some of themost remote and hostile terrains
in the world.
(05:25):
Then there was the issue oftransitional justice.
The agreement established theSpecial Jurisdiction for Peace,
or the JEP, a tribunal designedto address victims' rights and
hold those responsible forserious crimes accountable.
It was a delicate balancebetween justice and practicality
(05:45):
, offering reduced sentences forthose who fully disclosed their
involvement in crimes andcontributed to reparation
efforts.
Human rights advocate JeanetteBedoya herself a survival of
violence put it succinctly fortrue reconciliation, the voices
of victims must be heard andtheir suffering acknowledged.
We will talk more aboutJeanette later in the episode.
(06:09):
Of course, it wasn't all smoothsailing.
The 2016 plebiscite to ratifythe agreement narrowly failed,
reflecting deep divisions withinthe country.
But, like a bad movie sequel,the story didn't end there.
The government and FARC revisedthe agreement to address some
of the concerns raised byopponents, and it was eventually
(06:31):
ratified by the ColombianCongress, and thus a flicker of
hope emerged from the darkness.
The groundwork had been laid,but the real test was just
beginning.
Would disagreements hold up inthe face of political opposition
, ongoing violence anddeep-seated mistrust?
Only time would tell.
(06:52):
Now let's dive into the nuts andbolts of the 2016 peace
agreement, a document that wasas dense and intricate as a
novel by Gabriel Garcia Marquez.
This wasn't just a piece ofpaper.
It was a lifeline for a countryweary of war.
The 2016 peace agreement,signed on November 24th in
Bogota, marked a significantmilestone in Colombia's history.
(07:15):
Picture this After decades ofrelentless violence, the leaders
of the Colombian government andFARC sat down and shook hands,
symbolizing a collective sigh ofrelief that echoed across the
nation.
But what exactly did thisagreement entail?
First up, we had ruraldevelopment.
Historian Stephen Dudleyemphasized that addressing rural
(07:38):
poverty and inequality wascrucial to preventing the
resurgence of violence.
Sustainable peace in Colombiahinges on transforming the
countryside where grievanceshave fueled the conflict for
generations.
The agreement focused onpromoting equitable access to
land, improving ruralinfrastructure and providing
economic opportunities formarginalized communities.
(08:00):
This wasn't just a band-aidsolution.
It aimed to tackle the rootcause of the conflict head-on.
Next, political participation.
Imagine trying to convince anation to allow former guerrilla
fighters a seat at thepolitical table.
It's like asking them to letthe fox guard the henhouse.
(08:21):
Yet that's precisely whathappened.
The agreement allowed FARC totransition into a political
party, giving them a platform tovoice their views peacefully.
This move was groundbreaking,even if it did raise more than a
few eyebrows.
Then came the Herculean task ofdisarmament, demobilization and
(08:42):
reintegration the DDR ofdisarmament, demobilization and
reintegration the DDR.
The United Nations played acrucial role here, overseeing
the collection and destructionof thousands of weapons.
Imagine coordinating acountrywide cleanup of the
lethal hardware scattered acrossjungles and mountains.
It was like playing a deadlygame of hide-and-seek.
Former combatants were supposedto turn in their arms at
(09:04):
designated zones, under thewatchful eye of UN observers.
These zones were known astransitional normalization zones
and became temporary homes forex-fighters as they adjusted to
civilian life.
But what about justice for thecountless victims?
Enter the Special Jurisdictionfor Peace or the JEP.
(09:24):
Enter the Special Jurisdictionfor Peace or the JEP.
This tribunal was designed toaddress the rights of victims
and hold perpetratorsaccountable.
And it wasn't just aboutvengeance.
It was about truth andreconciliation.
Reduced sentences were offeredto those who fully disclosed
their involvement in seriouscrimes and contributed to
reparations.
Human rights advocate JeanetteBedoya Lima, who we will hear
(09:47):
more from later, survivedhorrific violence and she
underscored the importance ofthis approach.
She said For truereconciliation, the voices of
victims must be heard and theirsuffering acknowledged.
Implementing the agreement was amonumental challenge.
The initial steps includedsetting up these normalization
(10:07):
zones and launching ruraldevelopment projects.
However, as with ambitiousprojects, obstacles were
plentiful.
Political opposition was alsofierce, particularly from former
President Álvaro Uribe and hisallies, who argued that the deal
was way too lenient on FARCmembers.
This political resistancecreated a polarized environment,
(10:29):
making it difficult to buildthe broad consensus needed to
fully implement the agreement.
Violence from other armedgroups, such as the ELN and
various criminal organizations,persisted and even escalated in
some areas.
These groups sought to fill thepower vacuum left by FARC,
continuing to engage in illegalactivities such as drug
(10:50):
trafficking and extortion.
This ongoing violenceundermined efforts to stabilize
the country and create a secureenvironment for development.
Moreover, the promised ruraldevelopment and land reform,
which were crucial components ofthe peace agreement, faced
significant delays.
The Colombian governmentstruggled with the logistical
(11:11):
and financial demands of theseinitiatives, leaving many rural
communities feeling neglectedand frustrated.
Economist James Robinsonmentions that inclusive economic
institutions are essential forsustainable development and
peace.
Without them, inequality anddiscontent will persist.
The role of social leaders andactivists in promoting peace and
(11:33):
advocating for theircommunities also became
increasingly important duringthis period.
These individuals often workedin dangerous conditions, facing
threats and violence from thosewho opposed their efforts.
Human rights organizationsreported numerous cases of
social leaders being targetedfor their work, highlighting the
ongoing risk that they faced.
(11:54):
Leaders being targeted fortheir work, highlighting the
ongoing risk that they face.
One poignant example is thestory of Francia Marquez, an
environmental activist andsocial leader from the Cauca
region.
Marquez, who has receivednumerous international
recognitions for her work, hasfaced numerous threats and
attempts in her life.
Despite these dangers, shecontinues to advocate for the
(12:14):
rights of Afro-Colombians andindigenous communities,
highlighting the vital role ofgrassroots activism in the peace
process.
International support remainedcrucial on aiding Colombia's
transition.
Various countries andorganizations provided funding,
technical assistance andoversight to help implement the
peace agreement.
The United Nations, forinstance, played a significant
(12:37):
role in monitoring thedisarmament process, as we've
discussed, and in supportingtransitional justice initiatives
.
So we are now at the GrandPeace Agreement of 2016.
And it is finally signed,sealed and well, not quite
delivered, because, as it turnsout, crafting a peace agreement
(12:58):
is the easy part.
Implementing it that's a wholeother ballgame and, as Columbia
was about to learn, it's a gamewith some pretty high stakes.
Let's start with the disarmamentprocess.
Imagine again trying to collectall these weapons and safely
destroy thousands of them all,while ensuring that former
guerrillas don't just stash awaya few for a rainy day.
(13:20):
The United Nations did step into help overseeing the
disarmament zones where formerFARC members turned in their
arms.
These zones were scatteredacross the country, from the
dense jungles of the Amazon tothe rugged mountains of
Antioquia.
It was like herding cats, armed, distrustful cats.
But it wasn't just aboutcollecting weapons.
(13:43):
The ex-combatants needed totransition into civilian life, a
process that was about as easyas turning a battleship on a
dime.
But they were provided withvocational training, education
and support to start new lives.
Erica Montero, a former FARCfighter, is one such example.
She joined FARC as a teenagerand, after the peace deal,
(14:06):
enrolled in a reintegrationprogram.
Today she's a community leaderhelping other ex-combatants
navigate the treacherous pathback to normalcy.
However, the path was anythingbut smooth.
Political opposition showed up,and it was particularly from
hardliners, like we said,president Álvaro Uribe, and it
(14:27):
was fierce.
They saw the agreement as waytoo lenient, essentially a
get-out-of-jail-free card forterrorists.
This created a polarizedpolitical climate, making it
difficult to build the consensusneeded for effective
implementation.
The plebiscite to ratify thepeace agreement narrowly failed,
as we mentioned, but thegovernment and the FARC pushed
(14:48):
through revising the deal andgetting it through Congress.
And then there were other armedgroups.
The FARC stepped back, but thenthe ELN and various criminal
organizations the infamousBACRIM saw an opportunity to
expand their influence.
These groups, involved in drugtrafficking, illegal mining and
extortion, continued to do theirwork.
(15:11):
The government's focus shiftedto these new threats, but the
violence persisted, especiallyin rural areas.
In addition to ongoing violence, the promised rural development
and land reform facedsignificant delays.
Bureaucratic inefficiencies,lack of funding and resistance
from powerful landowners slowedprogress.
Many rural communities feltabandoned, their dreams of a
(15:35):
better life put on hold.
International support alsoremained crucial in aiding
Colombia's transition.
The European Union alsoprovided substantial financial
assistance for developmentprojects aimed at improving
infrastructure, education andhealthcare in conflict-affected
areas.
These efforts were vital foraddressing the root cause of
(15:55):
violence and promoting long-termstability.
All right, we've covered a lotof ground today, from the
details of the 2016 peaceagreement to the uphill battle
of its implementation.
It's clear that Colombia'sjourney to peace is anything but
straightforward, but amid thechaos, there is a thread of
resilience that runs deep.
(16:16):
I think it's time to shine alight on the real heroes of this
story the survivors, thefighters, the everyday
Colombians who've faced downviolence and refused to give up.
Let's kick things off withJesús Abad Colorado, a
photojournalist whose work hasgiven a voice to those silenced
by conflict.
(16:36):
Born in Medellin, colorado'sfamily was displaced by violence
when he was just a boy.
Instead of letting his darkchapter define them, he turned
his experiences into a mission.
His haunting yet powerfulphotographs document the war's
impact on everyday people,ensuring that their stories are
not lost in the annals ofhistory.
(16:57):
His work has been instrumentalin preserving the collective
memory of Colombia's struggle.
And then there is JeanetteBedoya Lima.
We talked about her before.
Now.
If there is a person whoembodies resilience, it is
Jeanette.
In 2000, while investigatingarms trafficking, she was
kidnapped, tortured and sexuallyassaulted by paramilitaries.
(17:21):
But the death stopper?
Not a chance.
Jeanette has since become afierce advocate for the rights
of women and victims of sexualviolence.
Her relentless pursuit ofjustice led to a landmark ruling
by the Inter-American Court ofHuman Rights holding the
Colombian state accountable forfailing to protect her.
She's taken her trauma andturned it into a crusade for
(17:43):
justice, shining a globalspotlight on the plight of women
in conflict.
Next we head to Bojaya.
In Choco, on May 2nd 2002,during a brutal clash between
FARC guerrillas andparamilitaries, a FARC mortar
shell struck a church wherevillagers had sought refuge,
killing at least 79 people.
(18:04):
Leiner Palacios Azprilla, wholost 32 relatives in that
massacre, has become a leadingadvocate for peace and justice
in his community.
Thanks to his tireless efforts,bojaya has not only secured
reparations, but also hostedFARC leaders in 2016 who came to
(18:26):
apologize to the community.
Leiner's story is one ofturning unimaginable grief into
a force for reconciliation, andlet's not forget the collective
efforts of communities.
In San Carlos in Antioquia, theMemory House initiative has
become a beacon of hope.
It's a space where residentscome together, share their
stories and preserve the memoryof their experiences during the
(18:48):
conflict.
Historian and peace activistGonzalo Sanchez aptly said
Memory and storytelling arepowerful tools for healing.
They allow communities toprocess their trauma, recognize
their shared experiences andbuild a foundation for a more
peaceful future Over in thecommunity.
In Bojaya, the communitycontinues to take incredible
(19:10):
efforts to rebuild after themassacre.
They reclaimed their land,rebuilt their homes and created
a memorial to honor the victims.
Their determination to preservetheir cultural heritage and
maintain their traditions isnothing short of inspiring.
These stories are a testamentto the resilience and strength
of the Colombian people.
Remember way back at thebeginning of this series, when
(19:33):
it all began, I talked to youabout the resilience and the
courage of the Colombian people.
Despite facing immenseadversity, they continue to
advocate for peace, for justice,for reconciliation.
Their courage and determinationoffer powerful lessons in the
human spirit's capacity toovercome even in the darkest of
(19:54):
times.
As we reflect on these stories,it becomes clear that the path
to peace in Colombia is pavedwith the bravery and the
perseverance of countlessindividuals and communities.
Their efforts to heal andrebuild are a beacon of hope in
the future of this troublednation.
Okay, so we tackled thedisarmament, the uphill battle
(20:15):
of implementing the peaceagreement, and now let's talk
about the current state ofaffairs because, spoiler alert,
the Colombian conflict didn'tjust magically disappear.
In fact, the situation today islike a complicated soap opera,
full of unexpected twists andlingering tensions.
It is like a really good orreally bad telenovela, depending
(20:38):
on your point of view, Isuppose.
First off, let's talk about theELN, or Ejército de Liberación
Nacional.
These guys are like the kid whodidn't get the memo that the
party was over.
These guys are like the kid whodidn't get the memo that the
party was over.
While FARC was busy laying downarms and turning into a
political party, the ELN wasdoubling down on its guerrilla
activities.
Kidnappings, bombings andattacks on security forces yes,
(21:03):
still happening.
These folks didn't just fadeinto the background.
They filled the void left byFARC, particularly in rural
areas where government presenceis as rare as a unicorn.
The ELN isn't the only player onthe field, though.
The various criminalorganizations we mentioned
before.
The BACRIM Bandas Criminaleshas sprung up like mushrooms
(21:24):
after a rainstorm.
These groups are a motley crewof former paramilitaries, new
criminal enterprises andeveryone in between.
Their business, drugs, illegalmining, extortion, you name it.
The power vacuum left by FARC'sdemobilization created the
perfect breeding ground forthese groups.
It's like playing whack-a-moleKnock one down, two more pop up.
(21:47):
The persistence of violence fromthese groups has severe
repercussions for civilianpopulations across Colombia.
Displacement remains a criticalissue, with thousands of people
forced to flee their homes dueto conflict-related threats.
According to the InternationalDisplacement Monitoring Center,
colombia has one of the highestnumbers of internally displaced
(22:08):
persons or IDPs in the world.
One of the highest numbers ofinternally displaced persons or
IDPs in the world.
The impact on communities isprofound, disrupting lives,
livelihoods and access toessential services, and it's not
just the armed groups causingheadaches.
Political resistance to thepeace process remains very
strong.
Remember former PresidentÁlvaro Uribe.
He's still around leading thecharge against the peace
(22:31):
agreement.
His political party, theDemocratic Center, has been
vocal in its criticism, arguingthat the deal was way too
lenient on FARC members.
This ongoing politicaltug-of-war makes it challenging
to implement the peace agreementfully.
Economic development,especially in rural areas,
continues to lag.
The promised land reforms andinfrastructure projects have
(22:54):
been slow to materialize.
Bureaucratic red tape, lack offunding and resistance from
those powerful landowners theseissues are like anchors dragging
down the entire process.
In the face of these challenges,the role of social leaders and
activists is more crucial thanever.
These brave souls are often theglue holding communities
(23:14):
together, advocating for peaceand justice despite facing those
significant risks.
Unfortunately, being a socialleader in Colombia can be a
deadly occupation.
Since the signing of the peaceagreement, hundreds of activists
have been murdered.
Human rights organizations havedocumented these alarming
numbers, highlighting theongoing dangers that they face.
(23:35):
The international communitycontinues to call for greater
protection and support for thesebrave individuals.
Finally, let's not forget aboutthe drug trade, that persistent
thorn in Colombia's side.
Despite efforts to curb cocacultivation, the country remains
a major player in the globalcocaine market.
Joint operations, intelligencesharing and efforts to dismantle
(23:58):
trafficking networks have hadsome success, but the drug
trade's adaptability andresilience continue to pose
challenges.
Political scientist BruceBagley puts it bluntly the fight
against drug traffickingrequires a coordinated,
multifaceted approach thataddresses both supply and demand
, as well as the socioeconomicconditions that fuel the trade.
(24:20):
The current state of theconflict in Colombia shows us
that it is clear that, whilesignificant progress has been
made, many challenges remain.
The journey towards lastingpeace is complex and it's an
ongoing process.
It requires concerted effortsfrom the government, civil
society and the internationalcommunity.
The resilience and adaptabilityof the criminal networks,
(24:42):
combined with deep-rooted socialand economic issues, which
still persist, ensure thatColombia's journey towards peace
remains fraught with challenges, which still persist.
Ensure that Colombia's journeytowards peace remains fraught
with challenges.
So we are finally here at theend of the Colombian journey.
First, let's zoom out and seethe big picture.
Colombia's conflict isn't justa local issue.
It's a microcosm of broaderglobal dynamics.
(25:05):
The roots of the conflictstretch back to the early 19th
century, during the chaoticyears of La Patria Boba or the
Foolish Fatherland.
I'm sure you remember that thiswas a time when the newly
independent Colombia was tryingto find his feet, only to be
pulled apart by regionalrivalries and ideological
battles.
The centralists and thefederalists, each with their
(25:36):
vision of Colombia's future, setthe stage for a pattern of
division that would become arecurring theme in the country's
history.
Fast forward to the 20thcentury and we see these
divisions deepen and morph intonew forms.
The assassination of JorgeEliezer Gaitán in 1948 was a
flashpoint that triggered LaViolencia, a decade of brutal
civil conflict between liberalsand conservatives.
And this period wasn't justmarked by political battles but
by the atrocities that left deepscars in the Colombian psyche.
(25:58):
The violence of La Violencialaid the groundwork for the
modern conflict, embedding aculture of violence and
retribution that would beexploited by various armed
groups.
Then enter the guerrillamovements.
By the 1960s, groups like FARCand ELN emerged, driven by
deep-seated social and economicgrievances, land distribution
(26:19):
issues, rural poverty andpolitical exclusion fueled their
rise.
These groups weren't justfighting a government.
They were fighting against asystem that they believed had
failed the Colombian people.
The guerrillas promised landreform, social justice and a
voice for the marginalized, buttheir methods often mirrored the
brutality they sought to end.
(26:42):
And then the 1980s hit, and withit the cocaine trade exploded
and entered Pablo Escobar andthe Medellin cartel.
It wasn't just another criminalenterprise.
It was a force that transformedthe conflict.
The wealth and power generatedby the cocaine trade fueled
violence, corruption andinstability, making it even more
(27:03):
challenging to achieve peace.
Escobar's war against theColombian state brought a new
level of terror, with bombings.
Escobar's war against theColombian state brought a new
level of terror, with bombings,assassinations and kidnappings
becoming commonplace.
But it wasn't just theguerrillas and the cartels.
We had paramilitary groupsinitially formed to combat the
guerrillas, but that laterbecame a major player in their
own right.
Funded by landowners, drugtraffickers and even
(27:30):
multinational corporations akaUnited Fruit Company these
groups committed atrocities thatrivaled those of any guerrilla
faction.
The paramilitaries waged a warof terror when rural communities
used violence to maintaincontrol and protect their
interests.
Yet amidst all this chaos andbloodshed, we've seen something
remarkable the resilience of theColombian people.
(27:52):
Despite the endless cycles ofviolence, colombians have
continually fought for peace,for justice and for a better
future.
They've endured unimaginablehardships but have shown an
incredible capacity to resistand rebuild.
Communities have come togetherto support one another, to
resist and rebuild.
Communities have come togetherto support one another.
(28:13):
Social leaders have risen toadvocate for change and a
collective spirit ofperseverance has driven the
nation forward.
This resilience is not just afootnote.
It is the heart of theColombian story.
The peace process, whilefraught with challenges,
represents a significant steptowards reconciliation.
While fraught with challenges,represents a significant step
towards reconciliation.
The courage of social leaders,the efforts of grassroots
(28:35):
movements and the commitment ofordinary Colombians to rebuild
their country are stories ofhope and perseverance that
deserve recognition.
Understanding the Colombianconflict is essential for
several reasons.
First, it provides a lensthrough which to view the
complexities of modern conflictsworldwide.
The interplay of politicalideologies, social inequalities,
(28:58):
economic interests andinternational influences in
Colombia is a blueprint for manyof the conflicts that we see
today.
Second, this conflicthighlights the resilience and
strength of the Colombian people.
Despite decades of violence,colombians have continually
fought for a better future.
Their resilience is a testamentto the human spirit's capacity
(29:22):
to endure and overcome, even inthe darkest of times.
Finally, to understand Colombiatoday, you must understand its
past.
The shadows of La Patria Boba,the War of a Thousand Days, la
Violencia, the guerrillas andthe cocaine wars still loom
large.
The political landscape, socialstructures and even cultural
(29:44):
identity of Colombia have beenshaped by this long and brutal
conflict.
By understanding this history,we gain insights into the
challenges Colombia faces andthe incredible progress it has
made.
As we conclude this series,let's remember the story of
Colombia is far from over.
It's a story of struggle andsurvival, of despair and hope.
(30:06):
It's a story that reminds us ofthe complexities of human
societies and the enduring questfor peace, justice and societal
harmony.
Thank you for joining me on thisjourney through the Colombian
conflict.
And so we've reached the end ofour journey through the
(30:30):
Colombian conflict.
It has been an eye-openingexperience for me, one filled
with admiration and respect forthe Colombian people.
Their tenacity and resiliencein the face of relentless
adversity is truly inspiring.
At the same time, I've beendeeply saddened and shocked by
the extent of the violence andthe things humans will do to one
(30:52):
another.
But I am glad I took thisjourney.
It made me more curious aboutColombia and eager to explore
other aspects of the nation thatI may not have been as familiar
with before.
Growing up in Venezuela, Ialways saw the headlines about
Colombia the bombings,kidnappings, but I never
understood what was behind allthat.
(31:13):
I hope this series has givenyou a better appreciation for
Colombia, its struggles and itspeople, just as it has for me.
But now it is time to move on.
We're heading into the history,events and study of another
major civil war, one that hasdefined an entire nation in
(31:33):
countless ways.
We're making our way back tothe United States to explore the
United States Civil War.
Don't forget to follow, shareand rate the podcast.
If you've enjoyed what you'veheard or want to hear more,
that's the best way to supportus.
Enjoyed what you've heard orwant to hear more?
That's the best way to supportus.
We're also active on Facebook,twitter and Instagram, where
I've posted images and contentrelated to each of the episodes
(31:56):
we cover on Colombia.
Thank you once again and seeyou next time on Double Helix.
Blueprint of Nations.
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