From Battlefields to Farms: Colombian Ex-Combatants Forging a Path to Peace
Eight years ago, a historic peace accord brought an end to over five decades of conflict in Colombia. While many celebrated the signing, the journey towards lasting peace has been complex. For former FARC guerrillas who laid down their arms, the transition to civilian life has been riddled with challenges.
Claudia Bermeo, who joined the FARC at the tender age of 12, recalls a childhood marked by both rural hardship and the looming threat of violence.
“I didn’t go to high school because my family couldn’t afford it," she recounted. "Life was hard, and the presence of armed groups, paramilitaries, added to the uncertainty and sense of abandonment."
For Claudia, and many like her, the guerilla movement offered a semblance of community and purpose. It was a difficult decision, one born out of circumstance, not desire.
The Struggle for Peace: Reconstructing Lives and Identities
Today, Claudia participates in "Cooagropaz," a cooperative established by former FARC members. It’s a testament to their resilience, their determination to rebuild their lives through honest work.
"We learned to operate within a structure as part of the FARC," Claudia confesses, "living and working together with discipline. This transition to civilian life, with its different cultural norms, has been a learning curve."
She is not alone in this experience. Victor Hugo Silva, another signatory to the peace agreements, echoes this sentiment. His father, a community leader, was tragically killed when Victor Hugo was just 15, pushing him towards the FARC. Now, he works alongside Claudia, striving to create a better future.
"Cooagropaz is more than just a business," Vibror Hugo emphasizes. "It’s a symbol of our commitment to peace, to contributing to society. It’s a way to show the world that we are not just former guerrillas, but individuals capable of building a better tomorrow."
Navigating a Complex Transition: Triumphs and Obstacles
Professor Stefani Castaño Torres, a sociologist studying post-conflict identity formation, recognizes the unique challenges faced by these former combatants. Her research, focused on women who signed the peace agreement, highlights their tenacity in reshaping their lives and contributing to community development.
"These women are truly remarkable," says Professor Castaño Torres. "They have transformed the stigma associated with the FARC, becoming agents of change within their communities. They are actively involved in initiatives promoting peace and social justice."
Despite the progress made, the path hasn’t been without bumps. Vladimir Valbuena, known as "Daneiro Santamaría" during his time with the FARC, points to the lack of government support and persistent stigmatization as significant obstacles.
"We’ve faced prejudice, accusations, and difficulty accessing financial resources," Vladimir explains.
"We are political subjects, capable of contributing to society. We need the government to fulfill its promises, to support our transition and ensure the full implementation of the peace accords."
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International Support: A Beacon of Hope
Amidst these challenges, international organizations have played a vital role in supporting the peace process. Rosemary Dicarlo, Deputy Secretary General for Political Affairs and Peacebuilding at the United Nations, has been a vocal advocate for the Colombian peace agreement.
"We see hope and progress," Vladimir comments. "The international community’s support is crucial for us to overcome these obstacles and build lasting peace.”
The journey towards peace in Colombia continues. The stories of Claudia, Victor Hugo, and Vladimir,alongside the work of Professor Castaño Torres and the support of international actors, underscore the complexities of post-conflict transformation. It’s a story that reminds us that while peace accords are crucial, the real work begins on the ground, with individuals and communities striving to overcome the legacy of violence and build a brighter future.
## From Battlefields to Farms: Rebuilding Lives in Colombia
**World-Today-News.com Exclusive Interview**
Eight years ago, a historic peace accord brought an end to colombia’s five-decade long armed conflict. While the signing sparked celebrations across the globe, the journey toward lasting peace remains complex. For former FARC guerillas who laid down their arms and stepped onto the path of reintegration, the transition to civilian life has been fraught with obstacles.
Claudia Bermeo, who joined the FARC at the age of 12, embodies the complexities of this transition. In an exclusive interview with World-Today-News.com,Claudia shares her story,highlighting both the allure and the hardships of life within the guerrilla movement,and her struggle to forge a new path as a civilian.
**World-Today-News.com:** Claudia, thank you for sharing your story. You joined the FARC at a very young age. Can you tell us about your childhood and what led you to that decision?
**Claudia Bermeo:** My childhood was marked by poverty and the constant threat of violence. We lived in a rural area where opportunities were scarce, and the presence of armed groups, both government forces and paramilitaries, added to the instability and fear. I never had the chance to finish high school due to financial constraints. My family was struggling to make ends meet, and joining the FARC seemed like the only option to escape the circumstances and find a sense of belonging and purpose.
Many see joining a guerrilla group as a rejection of society. How would you describe your experiences within the FARC?
**Claudia Bermeo:** It was a double-edged sword. On the one hand, I found kinship and support within the group. We were a community bound by shared experiences and ideals. There was a sense of solidarity and purpose that I hadn’t felt before. On the other hand, it was a life fraught with danger, sacrifice, and the constant threat of violence. looking back, I understand that my decision was born out of desperation, not a genuine desire for conflict.
The peace agreement was a monumental step towards ending the conflict. What were your initial thoughts and hopes when it was signed?
**Claudia Bermeo:** There was a sense of cautious optimism. The prospect of laying down our arms, returning to civilian life, and rebuilding our communities was both daunting and exhilarating. We yearned for peace, but we also knew the challenges that lay ahead.
You are now a member of “Cooagropaz”, a cooperative established by former FARC members dedicated to enduring agriculture. How did this initiative come about, and what does it represent for you and your former comrades?
**Claudia Bermeo:** Cooagropaz is a beacon of hope, a testament to our resilience and determination to create a better future for ourselves and our communities. It allows us to utilize the practical skills and knowlege we acquired during our time in the FARC, directing them towards productive endeavors that benefit society.
Agriculture provides us with a sense of purpose and dignity, enabling us to contribute to the economy while fostering a sense of belonging within our communities.
What are some of the major challenges you continue to face as former combatants reintegrating into civilian life?
**Claudia Bermeo:**
Stigma and discrimination are immense hurdles. Many people still see us as “ex-guerrillas” rather than individuals striving for a peaceful life. access to education, employment opportunities, and even basic services remains limited. The psychological toll of war and the trauma we endured also require ongoing support.
What message would you like to convey to the international community about the situation in Colombia and the challenges faced by former combatants?
**Claudia Bermeo:**
Colombia needs continued support to ensure the success of the peace process. investing in reintegration programs, promoting education and economic opportunities for former combatants, and addressing the root causes of violence are crucial. Remember, achieving lasting peace requires more than just signing an agreement; it demands
long-term commitment and collaboration. We, the former combatants, are committed to building a peaceful and prosperous Colombia, and we urge the world to stand with us.
