III - Navigating Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration in Colombia

Summary

This chapter provides an overview of the complex and continuously evolving disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration (DDR) programs in Colombia. Colombia has been experimenting with DDR for decades in an attempt to create a “post-conflict” environment amid ongoing armed conflict. As deserters are pressured to provide key intelligence in exchange for benefits, these programs are central to the government’s strategic framing that discredits guerrilla ideologies. In the early 2000s, the Colombian government partnered with a high-end marketing firm to entice guerrillas to leave their groups, with glossy promises of protection, income, and reunion with family members. However, most of these promises are patently false and leave many ex-combatants at risk of violent repercussions from their former groups and further disillusioned with the government. Starting with ad hoc individual demobilizations, to the more formalized process of demobilizing the AUC paramilitaries in 2003–2006, to the expansion of programs for deserters and finally, to the collective demobilization of the FARC in 2016, this chapter reviews the evolution and controversies around these various processes.