Santos urges new Colombian president to fully implement FARC peace accord

Santos, speaking in Oslo during a visit to mark the 10-year anniversary of the pact, highlighted that the ongoing conflict in Colombia has lasted over six decades, involving various armed groups. He noted that while the FARC deal is constitutionally enshrined, its implementation has been hampered by changes in governmental strategy, fiscal constraints, and other political concerns under subsequent administrations.

De La Espriella, a right-wing lawyer who had previously expressed criticism of the accord, particularly the Special Jurisdiction for Peace (JEP) transitional justice court, stated in his inauguration speech that he would respect the court but ensure rigorous oversight. Santos suggested that De La Espriella's predecessors, Ivan Duque and Gustavo Petro, did not fully enact the accord, with Petro's focus on negotiating with other armed groups under his 'total peace' policy diverting attention from the FARC deal. Santos hopes De La Espriella will recognize the accord's potential as a key government program.

The FARC peace deal, initially narrowly rejected in a 2016 referendum, was later modified and passed by congress. Critics, including De La Espriella, have argued that the reparations and sentences issued by the JEP are not sufficiently harsh for former guerrilla leaders and military personnel convicted of serious crimes. Much of the FARC's leadership and rank-and-file have demobilized and formed a legal political party, though some members have reportedly returned to arms.