Colombia's escalating, brutal internal conflict is defining its presidential election
Summary
Colombia’s presidential election is strongly influenced by growing violence linked to armed groups involved in drug trafficking and illegal mining. The two main candidates have very different plans: one supports negotiating peace deals, while the other wants a strict military approach.Key Facts
- Colombia has faced over 60 years of conflict involving armed groups, the state, and drug cartels, causing hundreds of thousands of deaths.
- Illegal armed groups like FARC dissidents, ELN, and Clan del Golfo have increased their numbers and expanded control in rural areas.
- Violence has forced many people to flee their homes, with some areas experiencing bombings and threats.
- Left-wing senator Iván Cepeda supports negotiations and peace talks based on the 2016 FARC peace deal but admits changes are needed.
- Conservative candidate Abelardo de la Espriella wants to build big prisons and use strong military actions to stop armed groups, rejecting further negotiations.
- De la Espriella is endorsed by U.S. President Donald Trump and is also a U.S. citizen.
- Forced displacement in Colombia surged by 300% between 2024 and 2025, reaching levels not seen in two decades.
- Critics say the current peace strategy allows armed groups to grow, while supporters believe it reduces overall loss of life.
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