BUENAVENTURA, Colombia: In the heart of Colombia’s Pacific coast lies Buenaventura, a bustling port city engulfed in a battle for control that transcends the bounds of legality. Officers tread cautiously through the remnants of abandoned wooden homes precariously perched above the veiled river, a vital conduit for drug and weapon trafficking orchestrated by nefarious gangs. The shadows of authority have receded, leaving room for whispered names that echo power – Los Shottas and Los Espartanos.
These gangs have recently laid siege to Buenaventura, a strategic hub in Colombia’s narcotrafficking network, serving as the launchpad for drugs destined for global distribution. In a bid to reshape the narrative, Colombia’s rebel-turned-president Gustavo Petro, following his historic election, pledged to establish “total peace” and bring an end to one of the world’s enduring conflicts. However, the reality on the ground in Buenaventura exposes the intricate web Petro must untangle.
Petro envisions a paradigm shift in Colombia’s approach to endemic violence, advocating for a transition from military strategies to comprehensive social programs addressing the root causes, notably poverty in regions marred by violence, such as Buenaventura. Concurrently, he’s engaged in negotiations with Colombia’s diverse armed groups, seeking their simultaneous demobilization – from leftist guerrillas to smaller trafficking mafias.
More than a year into Petro’s presidency, progress towards “total peace” is incremental. Over 31,000 armed fighters have expressed their willingness to partake in peace talks, as per government estimates. Plans for youth-focused programs aimed at countering gang recruitment are in the pipeline for Buenaventura and similar cities. However, the country’s most formidable armed groups have fortified their positions, escalating violence between rival factions.
Critics argue that criminal groups are capitalizing on government ceasefires, fostering robust criminal economies, and exploiting the limitations of law enforcement. Deep-seated distrust, forged by decades of violence and unfulfilled promises, permeates the perspectives of victims and armed groups contemplating peace deals. Jeremy McDermott, co-founder of InSight Crime, articulates the challenge Petro confronts, highlighting the delicate balance required to pursue peace without inadvertently empowering these groups.
Despite the prolonged conflict, no armed group has yet committed to a comprehensive peace agreement. In Buenaventura, Los Shottas adamantly resisted demobilization until all armed groups across Colombia disarmed simultaneously. Their fears stem from the apprehension that relinquishing power would expose them to potential extermination, given the multitude of rival groups vying for control over Buenaventura.
Colombia’s journey towards peace remains a daunting task, demanding adept navigation through a complex tapestry of gang dynamics and power struggles. Petro’s vision of a peaceful nation hinges on the delicate orchestration of negotiations, social reforms, and the delicate task of mitigating the pervasive grip of violence while fostering trust among disparate factions. Only time will unveil the success of this endeavour and whether “total peace” can indeed be attained.
