Colombia prepares to go to polls in election shadowed by resurgence of political violence
Summary
Colombia is holding a presidential election amid a rise in political violence linked to armed groups. Despite a 2016 peace deal that lowered violence, fighting continues between government forces and rebel factions involved in drug trafficking and illegal mining.Key Facts
- Mateo Pérez Rueda, a young photojournalist, was kidnapped, tortured, and killed by a Farc dissident group in May.
- Political violence in Colombia is increasing, impacting the current election.
- President Gustavo Petro cannot run again but supports leftwing candidate Iván Cepeda, who promotes a "total peace" plan.
- Far-right candidate Abelardo de la Espriella and rightwing senator Paloma Valencia want to return to full military conflict.
- Armed clashes between dissident factions have caused many deaths, including children forcibly recruited.
- The 2016 peace deal helped reduce violence but some rebel groups never joined it and have grown stronger.
- Much of the ongoing conflict is driven by control over cocaine production, illegal gold mining, and local corruption.
- Recent killings include over 50 people in fights between Farc dissident groups in Colombia’s southern region.
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