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Last Day of the War: Colombia Shines with Optimism as Half-Century Conflict Ends
IN PICTURES: "Let our joy be heard like cumbia in the streets!" Popular reactions to the ceasefire between FARC and the government have been jubilant.

Colombian citizens from all walks of life have reacted with joy to the bilaterial ceasefire agreed between the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC, and the government of President Juan Manuel Santos, signaling a decisive end to a five decade war and renewing hopes of social, economic and political justice for future generations in the region.

The peace deal, which was heavily encouraged and supported by late Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez and signed in Havana, Cuba, enjoys nearly-unanimous support and is expected to be integrated into the country's constitution. Both sides have successfully negotiated agreements on agrarian reform, political participation, illicit drugs, the rights of victims and transitional justice.

The FARC were born in 1964, a campesino organization formed to defend the interests of the rural population after hundreds of thousands were killed during one of the most violent periods of Colombian history known as "La Violencia." The group has been waging an insurgency against successive U.S.-backed governments ever since.

The FARC and human rights groups in Colombia have repeatedly said that peace cannot be achieved if the government does not acknowledge the existence of paramilitaries and take real steps toward disarming the right-wing, and often purely criminal, armed groups.

teleSUR takes a look at how the people of Colombia – those who suffered the brunt of the long-raging conflict – are reacting to this major historic achievement by the Colombian people.

Learn more at our teleSUR Colombia Peace Deal Special Feature

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A Colombian police officer walks by a mural that reads
A Colombian police officer walks by a mural that reads "peace will exist without armies" in Toribio, Cauca, Colombia. Photo:Reuters
A Colombian fighter grips her weapon while participating in a FARC ceremony in Villa Colombia camp near San Vicente del Caguan, Colombia, April 29, 2000. The Government of Colombia and FARC signed a landmark agreement Thursday to declare a definitive bilateral ceasefire, a covenant that marks the end of the oldest armed conflict in the hemisphere.
A Colombian fighter grips her weapon while participating in a FARC ceremony in Villa Colombia camp near San Vicente del Caguan, Colombia, April 29, 2000. The Government of Colombia and FARC signed a landmark agreement Thursday to declare a definitive bilateral ceasefire, a covenant that marks the end of the oldest armed conflict in the hemisphere. Photo:Reuters
Colombian politicians and citizens warmly welcomed the news that the government of Juan Manuel Santos and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia would sign a definitive bilateral ceasefire, billed as marking the end of the five-decade war between the guerrillas and the state.
Colombian politicians and citizens warmly welcomed the news that the government of Juan Manuel Santos and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia would sign a definitive bilateral ceasefire, billed as marking the end of the five-decade war between the guerrillas and the state. Photo:Reuters
Colombians are overjoyed that after more than 50 years of war, the longest armed conflict in the hemisphere comes to an end.
Colombians are overjoyed that after more than 50 years of war, the longest armed conflict in the hemisphere comes to an end. Photo:@Yadira_FARC
The first beneficiary of the Colombian ceasefire will be the Colombian people themselves, who are now preparing to go down a path of peace and relative harmony.
The first beneficiary of the Colombian ceasefire will be the Colombian people themselves, who are now preparing to go down a path of peace and relative harmony. Photo:@UNDPLAC
Fifty two years ago the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) and the People’s Army (EP) were born in a world filled with constant threats to those social movements committed toward defending equality and standing up to foreign intervention. Photo of FARC leaders as seen at a press conference in Havana, Cuba.
Fifty two years ago the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) and the People’s Army (EP) were born in a world filled with constant threats to those social movements committed toward defending equality and standing up to foreign intervention. Photo of FARC leaders as seen at a press conference in Havana, Cuba. Photo:Reuters
While the details of the deal are still being finalized, the United Nations Security Council is ready to monitor and verify the bilateral ceasefire in Colombia.
While the details of the deal are still being finalized, the United Nations Security Council is ready to monitor and verify the bilateral ceasefire in Colombia. Photo:@lucyespinosa79
The end of the conflict in Colombia signals an end to the era in which it was customary to use violence to resolve political conflicts of interest.
The end of the conflict in Colombia signals an end to the era in which it was customary to use violence to resolve political conflicts of interest. Photo:@lucyespinosa79
The bilateral ceasefire in Colombia is not only about the silencing of the guns of combatants; it is also meant to end the paramilitaries who are rampant across the country.
The bilateral ceasefire in Colombia is not only about the silencing of the guns of combatants; it is also meant to end the paramilitaries who are rampant across the country. Photo:EFE
The armed conflict would end the tactics of the Cold War; they no longer have a place in a post-war country.
The armed conflict would end the tactics of the Cold War; they no longer have a place in a post-war country. Photo:Reuters
In February the leaders of nearly all of Colombia's political parties joined President Juan Manuel Santos in affirming their support for the country's peace process, signing onto what the president has called “The Great Peace Pact.”
In February the leaders of nearly all of Colombia's political parties joined President Juan Manuel Santos in affirming their support for the country's peace process, signing onto what the president has called “The Great Peace Pact.” Photo:Reuters
The parties involved in the Colombian conflict will refrain from future violence.
The parties involved in the Colombian conflict will refrain from future violence. Photo:Reuters
Although the final peace deal is not expected to be signed until July 20, the bilateral cease-fire is being widely interpreted as the end of the war.
Although the final peace deal is not expected to be signed until July 20, the bilateral cease-fire is being widely interpreted as the end of the war. Photo:Reuters
Published 23 June 2016
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