But first, to understand Colombian politics, we must examine why and how these rebel groups were formed. And though there isn’t one straightforward answer, learning about the political situation in Colombia gave me a frame of reference to grasp what is going on elsewhere. So, why do people around the world vote against peace, unity, and progress, against choices that obviously make sense? This question has been plaguing me for many months. This result was as surprising and unpopular as Brexit and the current US president. The “No” had taken the day by the stupendously narrow margin of 0.2%. A nationwide referendum had just voted against the peace deal. However, back in October when I was about to travel there, a resolution of this ongoing conflict seemed unlikely. Such momentous steps towards progress have been possible due to the successful peace accord with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). The following day, just outside Quito, Ecuador, the Colombian government began official talks with the ELN. On February 6th, the National Liberation Army (ELN), Colombia’s second largest rebel group, released Odín Sánchez, a former congressman they had been holding hostage for the previous nine months.
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