Peace negotiations between the Colombian government and FARC (2012-16)
The Colombian peace process ended over five decades of armed conflict between the government and FARC, one of the longest insurgencies in the Western Hemisphere.
Key Facts
- Formal negotiations began
- September 2012, Havana, Cuba
- First accord signed
- September 26, 2016
- Referendum result (against)
- 50.2%
- Revised agreement signed
- November 24, 2016
- Congressional ratification
- November 29–30, 2016
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Decades of armed conflict between the Colombian government and the FARC–EP guerrilla organization prompted formal peace negotiations beginning in September 2012. Talks were held primarily in Havana, Cuba, under President Juan Manuel Santos, aiming to end one of Latin America's longest-running insurgencies and address its underlying political and social grievances.
On September 26, 2016, President Santos and FARC commander-in-chief Rodrigo Londoño publicly signed the first peace accord. Londoño issued a public apology and expressed hope for reconciliation. However, the agreement was narrowly rejected in a national referendum on October 2, 2016, with 50.2% voting against and 49.8% in favor.
A revised peace agreement was signed on November 24, 2016, and submitted to the Congress of Colombia rather than put to another referendum. Both houses ratified the new agreement on November 29 and 30, 2016, officially ending the conflict between the Colombian government and the FARC–EP.
Political Outcome
Revised peace agreement ratified by Congress on November 29–30, 2016, officially ending the Colombian armed conflict with FARC–EP.
Decades-long armed conflict between Colombian government and FARC–EP guerrillas
FARC–EP disarmed and transitioned toward political participation; conflict officially ended