Danilo Rueda Comments on Inclusion of Drug Traffickers in the National Reconciliation Law in Colombia

The High Commissioner for Peace, Danilo Rueda, discussed the announcement made by President Petro this week regarding the future national reconciliation law and the inclusion of drug traffickers in it. Rueda clarified that while the law will be drafted taking drug trafficking groups into consideration, there are no plans for pardons or amnesties in their favor.

Truth Clarification Commission

In this regard, Danilo Rueda explained the reason for wanting to include drug traffickers in the future law. “We are revisiting the conclusions of the Truth Clarification Commission, which invited all governments to initiate dialogues with the widest range of armed groups. And that is what we are developing,” stated the High Commissioner for Peace under the government of Gustavo Petro.

During an event about land distribution in his hometown, Ciénaga de Oro, the President of Colombia announced that a draft proposal for a future national reconciliation law was being prepared. The most controversial aspect of his statement was that this law aimed to go beyond armed groups with political status. The text would also propose peace with drug trafficking groups.

What Danilo Rueda Said

The High Commissioner for Peace participated in the second day of the seminar on journalism and Total Peace held in Cartagena (Bolívar), organized by the Gabo Foundation. It was within this context that Danilo Rueda answered questions from the press about the President’s announcement.

Rueda pointed out that in the future law, “no one is thinking about pardons or amnesties.” He clarified that they are “seeking judicial and extrajudicial mechanisms for these groups to be held accountable.” In this sense, what the State seeks is to “dismantle the illegal economies that cause violence.”

A large group of journalists from various media outlets covering peace-related topics in Colombia attended the Cartagena seminar. Communication strategies and how to address this complex issue in the media were discussed, which is simultaneously a challenge for Colombian society.

Narcotrafficking as a Catalyst for Violence

According to official data, in 2021, Colombia is estimated to have exported more than 1.2 million kilograms of cocaine, generating enormous profits for drug trafficking networks. This illicit activity has contributed to maintaining constant pressure on governmental institutions and security forces. Armed groups and cartels have used the proceeds from drug trafficking to finance their operations, exacerbating violence in regions already affected by conflicts.

The impact on the country’s politics is undeniable as well. Resources generated by drug trafficking have infiltrated the political sphere, undermining transparency and the legitimacy of institutions. Corruption and undue influence have become chronic challenges that hinder efforts to maintain a healthy and functional democracy.