This week, negotiations in Colombia covered in our previous update have led to a ceasefire between the government and a notable rebel group. Activists continue to call for peace in Gaza, as fears grow of a full-scale war between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon. And in Haiti, the long-awaited deployment of Kenyan police is an important step towards addressing gang violence and bringing peace after years of political and social turmoil.
Colombia’s peace talks result in a quick ceasefire
Last week, we reported on the start of peace talks between Colombia and the Second Marquetalia rebel group, made up of former FARC dissidents who rejected a landmark 2016 peace treaty. Following talks in the Venezuelan capital of Caracas, the group announced a unilateral ceasefire and commitment to release captives. Later this month, the two sides will meet to more clearly delineate the de-escalation process, and the rebels committed to disarmament as part of this agreement. While past ceasefires with rebel groups have failed to last, this is still an important step forward in continuing the long-running Colombian peace process, a priority of President Gustavo Petro. If the ceasefire holds and the group successfully disarms and reintegrates, it would peacefully resolve the conflict between the government and the second-largest group of FARC dissidents, and potentially reinvigorate peace initiatives with other groups.
Peace activists call for an end to fighting in Gaza
As the danger of a full-scale war between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon continues to grow, peace activists around the world, including within Israel itself, came together this week to call for peace. A rally in Tel Aviv aimed to re-energize the Israeli peace movement, bringing together thousands of activists, along with organizations, historians, politicians, and some who had lost family in the October 7th attacks, to put peace back on the agenda and reject violent and divisive rhetoric, while emphasizing the need for Israelis and Palestinians to build a peaceful shared future. Rallies around the world, including in North America, brought together Israelis, Palestinians and peace activists in support of the same agenda, continuing calls to end the war and establish a lasting peace. While the current Israeli government remains committed to war and continues to expand illegal settlements and advocate repression of Palestinians, events like this rally can help to keep the peace movement visible.
Can Kenya’s peacekeepers in Haiti help make a difference?
Last week, Kenyan police officers deployed to Haiti as part of a long-awaited international support mission, intended to combat gang violence and restore political stability. The mission, approved by the UN, comes at a crucial time, as gangs have taken over much of the capital. The hope is that this force can help to stabilize the country, which has endured consistent political, economic and social turmoil since a major earthquake in 2010, most notably the 2021 assassination of President Jovonel Moise, and the gang revolt this year which essentially overthrew Prime Minister Ariel Henry. Haiti’s new Prime Minister, Garry Conille, faces a challenging future, and visited Washington this week to call for further assistance. However, with little American support for further intervention, political paralysis within the UN Security Council, and the failure of the international community to end ongoing wars in Ukraine, Gaza, and Sudan, he is unlikely to receive the response he hopes for.
