Where the Silence Breaks | Ep 3 – Colombia
Al Jazeera
February 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Colombia’s peace process has taken a significant step forward as former army soldiers confessed to their involvement in extrajudicial killings, known as "falsos positivos," during hearings organized under the Special Jurisdiction for Peace (JEP). These confessions were made directly to the families of the victims, marking a moment of accountability and truth-telling in the aftermath of over five decades of armed conflict. The JEP, established through the 2016 peace agreement between the Colombian government and the FARC-EP rebels, operates as a transitional justice mechanism aimed at addressing serious human rights violations committed during the war.
Colombia’s journey toward peace has been fraught with challenges since the formal end of hostilities in 2016. The country grapples with the complexities of transitioning from conflict to stability, with issues like extrajudicial killings, forced disappearances, and human rights abuses lingering as part of its dark past. The "falsos positivos" — a state-sponsored program where innocent civilians were killed and falsely presented as combat casualties — have left deep scars on Colombian society. These actions were often carried out to boost military morale and political standing, further complicating the path toward reconciliation.
The JEP’s model of transitional justice prioritizes victims’ rights, offering two pathways for perpetrators: a restorative process for those who acknowledge responsibility and contribute to reparations, and an adversarial process for those who deny wrongdoing. Over 17,000 individuals, including former rebels, military personnel, and civilians, have appeared before the JEP since its inception. The jurisdiction has issued indictments, delivered sentences, and provided conditional immunity for less responsible participants. This approach aims to balance accountability with opportunities for healing.
For readers interested in global affairs and transitional justice, Colombia’s peace process offers critical insights into the challenges of building a sustainable peace after decades of conflict. The confessions by former soldiers highlight the importance of truth-telling and accountability in post-war societies. As Colombia continues to navigate its complex path toward reconciliation, the lessons learned could resonate with other nations striving to emerge from similar cycles of violence.
Verticals
worldpolitics
Originally published on Al Jazeera on 2/25/2026