Colombia: Rebel Group Starts Surrendering Arms to Government in Historic Handover

Colombia: Rebel Group Starts Surrendering Arms to Government in Historic Handover

The handing over of arms clears the path for the potential reintroduction of around 300 Comuneros del Sur insurgents back into everyday society. The Colombian armed group known as Comuneros del Sur (Commoners of the South) surrendered weapons and inked two accords with President Gustavo Petro, according to statements made by both parties on Saturday. "This marks a significant historical event," stated Defense Minister Pedro Sanchez during a ceremony held in the city of Pasto within the southwestern Andean area. He mentioned that over the last forty-eight hours, the team has transferred anti-personnel mines, fragmentation grenades, and rocket launchers to an army division for their dismantlement. "We believe that the era of armed conflict is outdated, recognizing that we now face new circumstances and fresh requirements. Therefore, we reject reverting to warfare," stated Royer Garzon, a key figure within the organization. This step makes it possible fo…