Wed Feb 25 17:00:00 UTC 2026: # Colombia’s Peace Process: Former Soldiers Confess to “False Positives”

The Story: Colombia continues its difficult journey toward peace following over five decades of armed conflict. As part of the 2016 peace agreement between the state and the FARC-EP rebels, former National Army soldiers have confessed to their participation in extrajudicial killings, known as “falsos positivos,” to the victims’ families. These executions involved the murder of innocent civilians, who were then falsely presented as combat casualties to inflate the government’s kill count.

The testimonies are being delivered within the framework of the Special Jurisdiction for Peace (JEP), a justice mechanism established by the peace agreement. The JEP aims to investigate, prosecute, and sanction those most responsible for serious human rights violations through a transitional and restorative justice model.

Key Points:

  • Former National Army soldiers confessed to participating in “falsos positivos,” the extrajudicial execution of civilians.
  • The confessions are part of Colombia’s peace process following the 2016 agreement with the FARC-EP rebels.
  • The Special Jurisdiction for Peace (JEP) is overseeing the process, aiming for transitional and restorative justice.
  • The JEP offers restorative and adversarial pathways for those involved, depending on their willingness to acknowledge responsibility and contribute to reparations.
  • Currently, over 17,000 individuals are appearing before the JEP, including former FARC-EP members, members of the armed forces, and civilian third parties.

Key Takeaways:

  • Colombia’s peace process is actively addressing past human rights abuses committed by state actors.
  • The “falsos positivos” scandal highlights the severe ethical and legal violations that occurred during the armed conflict.
  • The JEP’s transitional justice model seeks to balance accountability with reconciliation.
  • The high number of individuals appearing before the JEP underscores the widespread impact of the conflict.
  • Confessions and reparations are crucial steps towards healing and preventing future atrocities.

Impact Analysis:

The confessions and ongoing JEP proceedings have significant long-term implications for Colombia:

  • Strengthening Rule of Law: By holding perpetrators accountable, the JEP aims to strengthen the rule of law and rebuild trust in state institutions.
  • Victim Reparation: The process provides a platform for victims to receive acknowledgement, reparations, and guarantees of non-repetition, which are crucial for healing and reconciliation.
  • Historical Memory: The testimonies contribute to a more complete and accurate historical record of the conflict, helping to prevent denial and promote understanding.
  • Institutional Reform: The “falsos positivos” scandal has prompted reforms within the military to prevent similar abuses from happening again.
  • International Image: Successfully navigating the peace process and addressing human rights violations can improve Colombia’s international image and foster stronger relationships with other nations.

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