One of the world’s longest insurgencies has come to an end with a deal between the Colombian Government and the rebel group Farc. Here, a former hostage, held captive for six years, explains why she backs the deal and the efforts at reconciliation
For those of us who have been victims of Colombia’s guerrilla organisation Farc, and have known its brutality, the signing of its peace agreement with the Government and the announcement of a ceasefire in Colombia, bring a profound feeling of relief. For we believe that this step can ensure that future generations will not experience the cruelty and violence we endured.
But for most of my fellow Colombians this agreement remains an abstract discussion. Most of the urban population has not experienced war to the extent that those living in the countryside have done. Colombians will vote on the peace deal on 2 October.
Recent polls show that one third of Colombians support the deal, one third is against and one third is undecided. In a country that has suffered a century of violence, a substantial number of people have built their wealth and prosperity upon the business of war, many have gained political power through the war and many others have thrived in the shadow of corrupt democratic institutions weakened by the war. Those Colombians are already rallying against the peace deal.??
