The conversations between the Colombian government and the FARC-EP addressed the issues of disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR) from a different perspective than that of previous peace negotiations. Despite consistent differences between the warring parties about the reach, timing and terms of the DDR, the discussion began from several premises, among them: that there was a need to give this process a specific signature—adjusted to the particularities of the FARC-EP—, that there were lessons to be learned from Colombia’s previous attempts at peace, that the dignity of both parties should be respected, and that a definitive end to the armed confrontation between parties must be guaranteed along with a transition to civilian life for those who lay down arms. In this context, the agreement about the language to be used was fundamental: “laying down of arms,” “transition to legality” and “reincorporation to civilian life” would be the terms that led to an agreement on these issues.
A bilateral and definitive ceasefire was agreed to and implemented only at the end of the process. For the discussion of this issue and the laying down of arms by the FARC-EP, a subcommittee was created that included active military service members and guerilla commanders and ran parallel to the Negotiating Table. A tripartite monitoring and verification mechanism was agreed to for the ceasefire and laying down of arms, which, along with delegates from both parties, involved delegates from the United Nations Political Mission who would certify the laying down of nine thousand weapons over nine months at twenty six rural division (vereda) zones across Colombia. For the purposes of a transition to legality, an administrative proceeding certified by the government was designed and put in place. It confirmed the identity of persons from the FARC-EP who participated in the process and formally began their Reincorporation into civic life. This process of reincorporation involved the formation of a political party, resources for its operations, transitional access to congressional seats, and social and economic measures that would include joint agencies for monitoring at a national and local level.
In this section, you can find an in-depth explanation of the model that was implemented, as well as reflections and evaluations that are derived from the agreements and their lessons for other peace processes around the world.
