Colombia makes peace with armed groups

Colombia makes peace with armed groups

Published: Less than 20 min ago

full screen Colombian President Gustavo Petro. Archive image. Photo: Christophe Ena/AP/TT

The Colombian government has agreed to a six-month ceasefire with five armed groups in the country, President Gustavo Petro announced on Twitter.

The agreement includes the left-wing guerrilla ELN, Farc dissidents and drug gangs. The arms are to be laid down until June 30 – but that could be extended if progress is made in the negotiations.

Former left-wing rebel Petro took office as president last fall, promising to seek non-military solutions to end violence by armed groups.

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