elpais.com
Ex-AUC Commanders Withdraw as Peacebuilders, Citing Government Failures
Sixteen former AUC commanders, led by Salvatore Mancuso, withdrew as Colombian peacebuilders due to the High Commissioner's Office's alleged lack of transparency and unfulfilled commitments, requesting direct dialogue with President Petro instead.
- Why did the relationship between the ex-paramilitaries and the High Commissioner's Office deteriorate, and what role did Commissioner Patiño play in this breakdown?
- The ex-paramilitary commanders, who negotiated a deal with Uribe's government in 2003, accuse Patiño of rendering their designation symbolic. Despite following instructions, they claim no technical meetings or resources were provided, leading to the breakdown of their relationship with the Office.
- What are the immediate consequences of the 16 ex-AUC members withdrawing as peacebuilders, and what does it reveal about the Colombian government's 'Total Peace' policy?
- Sixteen former members of the AUC, including Salvatore Mancuso, withdrew as peacebuilders, citing the High Commissioner's Office's failure to fulfill commitments, including lack of meetings and resources, after eight months. They accuse Commissioner Otty Patiño of a lack of transparency and request a direct dialogue with President Petro.
- What are the long-term implications of this conflict for the Colombian peace process, considering the controversial backgrounds of some involved ex-combatants and the potential impact on future negotiations?
- This situation highlights challenges in Colombia's 'Total Peace' policy. The incident reveals friction between the government's peacebuilding efforts and the complexities of integrating former combatants, especially those with controversial pasts like Hernán Giraldo Serna, whose inclusion sparked prior criticism. The ex-AUC members' request for direct presidential intervention underscores the policy's fragility.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The narrative frames the situation largely from the perspective of the ex-paramilitary commanders. Their grievances and accusations are prominently featured, while the government's responses and justifications are given less attention. The headline (if there was one) likely emphasized the ex-paramilitaries' withdrawal. This framing could lead readers to sympathize more with the ex-paramilitaries and view the government negatively.
Language Bias
While the article strives for neutrality in its reporting of events, the use of phrases like "estéril" (sterile) in relation to the noise surrounding the conflict subtly influences the reader's perception. Describing the accusations as "reiterados incumplimientos" (repeated failures) also leans toward a critical portrayal of the government's actions. More neutral alternatives could include phrases like "disagreements" or "unresolved issues".
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the complaints of the ex-paramilitary commanders and their accusations against Commissioner Patiño, but it omits details about the government's perspective and justifications for their actions. The reasons behind the canceled meeting and the alleged lack of resources are presented solely from the ex-paramilitaries' viewpoint. Additionally, while the article mentions criticism of the inclusion of some ex-commanders like Hernán Giraldo Serna, it doesn't detail the extent or nature of that criticism beyond mentioning opposition from political actors and the Attorney General's Office. This omission limits the reader's ability to fully assess the situation and understand the government's position.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a false dichotomy by framing the situation as a simple choice between the government accelerating the peace process or revoking the ex-paramilitaries' designation as peacebuilders. It overlooks the possibility of alternative solutions or compromises that could address the ex-paramilitaries' concerns without completely terminating their involvement.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights a breakdown in communication and trust between former AUC members and the Colombian government's peace commission. The failure to fulfill commitments, lack of transparency, and cancellation of meetings hinder peacebuilding efforts and damage the credibility of the peace process. This negatively impacts the goal of strong institutions and justice. The inclusion of individuals with records of serious human rights abuses, like Hernán Giraldo Serna, further complicates the pursuit of justice and reconciliation.