The Americas | Total chaos

An ambitious plan for “total peace” in Colombia is faltering

Gustavo Petro’s central policy looks shakier than ever

Colombian soldiers guard a road during a mining strike in Taraza Municipality, Cauca department, Colombia on March 21, 2023. - Colombian President Gustavo Petro ordered, on March 19, 2023, the resumption of offensive actions against the Clan del Golfo, Colombia's largest drug gang, for attacks on civilians and the security forces, which led him to suspend the ceasefire. The government said the group had been supporting attacks by illegal gold miners since March 2 in the country's northwestern Antioquia department. Workers in illegal mines have been protesting the government's destruction of the heavy machinery they use to dredge up soil to find gold. (Photo by Raul ARBOLEDA / AFP) (Photo by RAUL ARBOLEDA/AFP via Getty Images)
Image: Getty Images
|Bogotá

When Gustavo Petro came into power as Colombia’s first avowedly left-wing president last year, he made achieving “total peace” in the country his main priority. Less than a year later, his search for peace appears shakier than ever.

This article appeared in the The Americas section of the print edition under the headline “Total chaos”

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