Carlos Ruiz Massieu stated that the recent surge in violence in certain regions has brought to light the challenges in achieving peace. In areas such as Catatumbo, Cauca, and Chocó, ongoing violence, insecurity, poverty, and illicit economies emphasize the importance of progressing with the implementation of the Peace Agreement and the transformations it offers. Carlos Ruiz Massieu’s remarks can be read in the article, “Remarks of Carlos Ruiz Massieu: Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of UN Verification Mission.”
The 2016 peace deal between the Government of Colombia and the FARC-EP armed group ended over five decades of conflict. The re-integration of former FARC combatants is a priority, with more than 12,000 laying down their arms and participating in the reintegration process. However, insecurity remains a concern, with 23 ex-combatants killed this year.
Massieu stated that areas influenced by FARC experienced a period of hope after the laying down of arms, with improvements in security and investments in areas such as tourism. Unfortunately, some of these areas have deteriorated due to the arrival
Source: https://news.un.org/feed/view/en/story/2025/04/1162486
