Colombia: high court deals blow to peace process
The FARC rebels are on "high alert" following a ruling by Colombia's Constitutional Court striking down congressional "fast track" authority for laws related to the peace process.
The FARC rebels are on "high alert" following a ruling by Colombia's Constitutional Court striking down congressional "fast track" authority for laws related to the peace process.
Colombia's congress approved a transitional justice structure that will attempt to bring reparations to the more than 8 million victims of the decades-long conflict.
Hundreds of peasant coca-growers shut down a main highway through southern Colombia to oppose the government's renewed "forced eradication" campaign in the region.
Even as the FARC guerillas begin the disarmament process under Colombia's peace plan, the ongoing wave of deadly violence against social leaders remains unrelenting.
Under UN oversight, the FARC guerillas began the process of turning over their weapons at the 26 "transitional camps" established for the purpose around the country.
The FARC completed its "demobilization" to transition camps under protest, charging that the Colombian government is failing to restrain right-wing paramilitary groups.
FARC leaders admit that five regional commanders—those most co-opted by the narco trade—are refusing to lay down arms, and have been expelled from the movement.
Colombia's Congress approved an amnesty law as part of the peace process, protecting guerilla fighters from prosecution over most crimes related to the conflict.
Colombia's Constitutional Court approved the government's plan for "fast track" authority to expedite congressional approval of terms for a peace deal with the FARC rebels.
The United Nations warned that Colombia's peace process faces "major challenges," urging the government and FARC rebels to "act swiftly" to demobilize and disarm the guerillas.
With Colombia's Congress voting to approve the revised peace accord with the FARC rebels, the country is on a countdown to the full demobilization of the guerilla army.
President Juan Manuel Santos announced that he has developed a plan of action to address the ongoing wave of assassinations of social leaders across Colombia.