Ninety-nine former guerrilla fighters in Colombia are in legal limbo after disarming under the previous government's 'total peace' plan, just days before a new hardline president took office.
Ninety-nine former guerrilla fighters were disarmed in southern Colombia in mid-June as part of the previous government's 'total peace' plan, which aimed to negotiate with and disarm criminal groups. The group was the only one to disarm, and did so just three days before the presidential runoff, which was won by Abelardo de la Espriella, a far-right lawyer who opposed the peace plan.
The former fighters are now in a government-controlled zone, where they are under surveillance and unable to leave. They are housed in beige brick buildings and receive meals daily, but they remain uncertain about their legal status. The new president has not yet announced his plans for the group, and the previous government's decree protecting them expires on 25 December.
Why it matters
The legal uncertainty affects the 99 former guerrillas, who are now in a government-controlled zone and face an unclear future under the new administration.
This section reflects Dumpling editorial interpretation and is provided for context only.
What to watch
The new government's decision on the fate of the 99 former guerrillas and whether the ZUT will remain operational.
This section reflects Dumpling editorial interpretation and is provided for context only.