Historic Peace Deal Between the Colombian Government and the Forces of Colombia Rebel Group

World News Nilgun Salim
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The Bogota Government signed a peace treaty with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia on Monday.

A massive group of presidents and diplomats witnessed the signing of the agreement between the Colombian Government under the ruling of Juan Manuel Santos and the group of communist rebels of RAFC. The summit took place in Cartagena.

The RAFC representatives left their headquarters from Yari on Saturday, following the decision taken during the 10th National Conference of the Guerrillas, where 200 delegates voted for the peace agreement. The signing of the peace treaty took place at 5:00 p.m. local time.

7,000 rebels will have 180 days at their disposal to leave the camps established in the mountains, under UN’s supervision.

Following the treaty, the rebel organization will transform into a political party and its members will participate in the electoral battles.

Their weapons are going to be melted and used to build three peace monuments.

The conflict between the RAFC and the Colombian government started in 1958 and caused the displacement of five million people, 218,000 have died, at least 79,000 disappeared and 30,000 were kidnapped.

The history of RAFC began with a peasant revolt, continued with a massive scandal regarding cocaine trafficking and had 20,000 members.

On Monday, EU erased RAFC from the terrorist organization’s list and the American Government promised the Colombian Government a $390 million dollars aid for the next year, in order to support the peace process.

Their reintegration into society is a concern for Colombians, notes Reuters.