Colombia's government has agreed a peace deal with leftist rebels to end one of the world's longest-running conflicts.
The Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) will lay down arms and reintegrate into civilian life under the historic agreement, which brings to an end a war that began in the 1960s and once threatened the country's existence.
More than 220,000 people were killed in the conflict, tens of thousands disappeared and millions fled their homes to escape the violence.
The accord, which was finalised after nearly four years of talks in Cuba, sparked celebrations in parks and bars in Colombian capital Bogota.
The deal will now be voted on in a referendum on 2 October.
"Today I can say - from the bottom of my heart - that I have fulfilled the mandate that you gave me," said President Juan Manuel Santos, who was re-elected in 2014 after promising a peace deal.
"Colombians: the decision is in your hands. Never before have our citizens had within their reach the key to their future," he said in a televised address.
Polls suggest Colombians will back the deal, but Mr Santos - who has staked his legacy on peace - will face fierce opposition from powerful sectors of the country who believe the only solution is to finish the FARC militarily.
Two former presidents oppose the accord, including the popular right-wing hardliner Alvaro Uribe.
Under the agreement, the FARC will have non-voting representation in Congress until 2018 and can take part in elections.
From then on, the 7,000 former rebels will have to win votes like any other party, Mr Santos said.
"We have won the most beautiful of all battles" lead FARC negotiator Ivan Marquez said after the announcement in Havana.
Follow The Forefront on:
> twitter
> Instagram: osagiejoshua
Share this post with others on social media with options below. |
No comments:
Post a Comment
Disclaimer!!! Opinions expressed in comments do not represent THE FOREFRONT MEDIA NG's views. All participants are entitled to their opinions. Thank you!!!
Advertise on the Forefront: For advert placement in the blog or advert posts like news updates, reach +2348124620827 [WhatsApp].
Copyright 2023 The Forefront Media Ng. All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from The Forefront Media Ng