Colombia announces six-month ceasefire to negotiate with five armed groups

The conflict, which has lasted nearly six decades, has left at least 450,000 dead from 1985 to 2018.

Published: January 1, 2023 3:31pm

Updated: January 1, 2023 4:12pm

Colombian President Gustavo Petro, a leftist and former guerilla militant, announced a six-month ceasefire with five armed groups to support peace talks.

"This is a bold act," Petro tweeted, as translated, late Saturday evening. "The bilateral ceasefire obliges the armed organizations and the state to respect it."

Colombia's ceasefire includes the leftist guerrilla organization the National Liberation Army as well as groups run by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Columbia, also known as the FARC, Reuters reported.

The conflict, which has lasted nearly six decades, has left at least 450,000 dead from 1985 to 2018.

The ceasefire is set to end June 30, but it can be extended.

"May peace be between us. Happy New Year," Petro said.