violence escalation

Colombia Election: 'Total Peace' Challenged as Violence Surges

Four years after President Gustavo Petro's pledge of "total peace," Colombia is experiencing a surge in guerrilla attacks, with the upcoming presidential election deeply divided over how to respond. The historic 2016 peace deal with the Farc brought some relief, but dissident factions and other groups have taken advantage of ceasefires to expand, leading to the deadliest year since the accord. Candidates now clash over continuing negotiations or returning to all-out war, as the conflict once again dominates the campaign.