Key facts
- 99 former guerrillas disarmed and surrendered weapons in Colombia.
- The disarmament was part of former President Gustavo Petro's "total peace" plan.
- The new president, Abelardo de la Espriella, has pledged to abandon peace negotiations.
- The disarmed fighters are in a temporary government zone (ZUT) with suspended arrest warrants.
- Their protection is contingent on decrees that could be revoked by the new administration.
Ninety-nine former guerrilla fighters in Colombia, who disarmed under the previous administration's "total peace" initiative, now face an uncertain future under the new hardline president, Abelardo de la Espriella. The fighters surrendered their weapons in mid-June, marking a symbolic end to their involvement in a conflict that has lasted decades. They are currently housed in a government-controlled zone (ZUT) where they are under surveillance and awaiting a transition to civilian life. However, President de la Espriella, who campaigned on a promise to abandon peace negotiations and adopt a more aggressive stance against criminal groups, has yet to outline a plan for these individuals. Their current protection, based on decrees from the previous administration, is temporary and could be revoked at any time, leaving them in a state of "legal limbo." Experts warn that any attempt to arrest or harm them would be a crime against humanity, given they are unarmed. The former fighters have expressed their commitment to peace in a letter to the new president, but the administration's response remains unknown.