Bogota, December 1 (RHC)-- The Institute of Studies for Development and Peace (Indepaz), announced that at least 23 armed groups have confirmed their intention to join the 'Total Peace' process in Colombia, after the arrival of Gustavo Petro and Francia Márquez to the Government.

In its Report on the Presence of Armed Groups in Colombia 2021-2022, the entity highlighted the call for the "definitive non-repetition of violence" made by President Gustavo Petro in his inauguration, and the willingness of armed groups to approach the Government.

This comes after the resumption of the dialogue process between the National Liberation Army (ELN) and the Colombian government.

Indepaz stressed that 'Total Peace' is not only circumscribed to the dialogued solution of the armed conflicts, it includes the fulfillment of the 2016 Peace Agreement and the follow-up of the recommendations of the Truth Commission."

On the other hand, the institute recognized the existence of an urbanization of the conflict, because although in the cities the armed conflict is not new, it acquires greater relevance in the current scenario. 

"This is taking place due to the strengthening of the links of armed structures of national scope with local gangs/combos -tercerization- and due to the return of paramilitaries and drug traffickers after serving their extradition sentences," it reaffirmed.

Indepaz also recognized the tensions generated by drug trafficking to make more visible activities such as equal mining, land theft, mafia capture of the State, as well as the need to respond to structural conflicts such as education, basic services, among others.