In the Qatari capital, the Colombian government and the Gulf Clan made progress in the peace talks that have been ongoing since September. The meeting concluded with the signing of two initial agreements, focusing on ending child recruitment and replacing illegal economies.
As announced, the Gulf Clan pledged to immediately suspend the recruitment of minors into its armed groups. This has been one of the main demands of international organizations and human rights defenders in the country.
The second agreement seeks to advance the substitution of illicit economies, with a special emphasis on drug production and trafficking, seeking to pave the way for legal productive projects in areas under the influence of this armed group. The government, for its part, will support the project with social and investment programs.
Negotiations in Doha will continue in the coming weeks. Gustavo Petro's government emphasized that these commitments represent a first step toward reducing violence in affected regions, while maintaining the verification process and international support within the framework of the comprehensive peace policy.