DownloadSept. 1, 2008 issue
What kind of peace for Colombia?
By Rebecca Bartel and Bonnie Klassen Mennonite Central CommitteePage:
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BOGOTA, Colombia — Colombia’s political climate has dramatically changed over the last months due to the following developments:
The deaths of three-high profile members of the FARC (Armed Revolutionary Forces of Colombia).
The military rescue of 15 political prisoners from FARC custody, including three U.S. contractors and Ingrid Betancourt, ex-presidential candidate.
The ongoing paramilitary/ politician scandal.
The increasing rearming of paramilitary groups.
The rescue of Betancourt and the U.S. citizens is a triumph for the Colombian government and military. The military strategy and show of might have sparked hope among some that a road to peace is being forged.
At this critical juncture, Mennonite Central Committee, its partners in Colombia and Colombian Anabaptist churches are asking, “What kind of peace do we want for Colombia?” These groups have united in a call to peace and reconciliation that is extended to all actors in the armed conflict, illegal and legal groups alike.
According to MCC partners and Anabaptist church leaders, the government and military path to “peace” is moving toward chaos and is contrary to the church’s goal of reconciliation.
As Mennonite Brethren leader Diego Martinez stated: “These actions, based in deception and lies, will never lead us to peace. We are calling on all of the armed groups to build peace through nonviolence and truth.”
The dismantling of the central commands of armed groups without comprehensive processes of truth, justice and reparation will not end the illegal armed groups in Colombia. Instead, it creates a chaotic, dangerous dynamic because many small but well-armed groups begin organizing.
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