The peace process between the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) and the Colombian government following the armed conflict and the 2016 Colombia Peace Agreement stands out as one of the most comprehensive examples of a transition from conflict to negotiation. One of the central figures in this process is former FARC-EP commander Victoria Sandino.
After playing an active role within FARC-EP for many years, Sandino took part in peace negotiations and later served as a senator in the Colombian government. She spoke to ANF about the current stage of the peace process in Colombia and the democratic resolution of the Kurdish question.
No significant progress in Colombia process
Former FARC commander Victoria Sandino said that although the Colombia Peace Agreement has entered its tenth year, it has still not been fully implemented and added: “This agreement has faced many setbacks. In particular, the failure of the Colombian state to fulfill its commitments has been striking. These problems began with the killing of those who signed the peace agreement and social leaders and continued with the non-implementation of almost every article of the agreement.
Despite this, under the current government, that is, during the presidency of Gustavo Petro, there has been a stronger dynamism both in implementing the agreement and in understanding what it represents. However, this dynamism has not been sufficient. Over the nearly four years of the Petro government, at least some progress has been made, particularly in the distribution of land to communities free of charge. But beyond that, no significant progress has been achieved in other provisions of the agreement.”
Could serve as a global example
Victoria Sandino said she does not have extensive information about the ongoing process regarding the democratic resolution of the Kurdish question, but emphasized that the peace efforts of Abdullah Öcalan, as the main actor of this process, are commendable. She said: “In Colombia, there is generally limited knowledge about what is happening in this process in Turkey. For me, an important issue is whether women are actively, decisively, and collectively involved in this process. The existence of such a process is a sign of hope. I believe this process could serve as an important global example, especially at a time when countries such as the United States, Israel, and Russia are engaged in attacks and conflicts across different regions.”
Detention is unacceptable
Sandino stressed that Öcalan’s imprisonment is unacceptable despite the ongoing process and recalled the experience of Nelson Mandela. She continued: “Nelson Mandela’s experience is instructive for the process in Turkey. After spending many years in prison, Mandela was able to demonstrate both political and human capacity to pursue a negotiated solution. Taking steps toward peace despite imprisonment requires not only political determination but also a strong human will. This means seeking a way out not only for the individual deprived of freedom, in this case the leader, but for society as a whole.”
Shows dignity and respect, should be free
Victoria Sandino said: “In my view, Abdullah Öcalan demonstrates an example of dignity and respect by initiating dialogue despite being in prison. This is already what needs to be done and what is expected, at least for the process to move forward in its initial stage. In Colombia, we used to describe this as ‘goodwill gestures’ or ‘positive steps’ by the parties.
In my opinion, the Turkish government must also take goodwill and positive steps. These should be steps that demonstrate the process is moving toward a serious and concrete peace process. At the forefront of these ensuring Öcalan’s freedom. However, this freedom should not only mean his release from prison; it must also include guarantees for his security so that he can continue the process.”
Öcalan’s women-centered paradigm draws attention
Victoria Sandino said she has long followed with admiration Abdullah Öcalan’s women-centered paradigm and the Kurdish Women’s Movement and added: “I had the opportunity to get to know the Kurdish Women’s Movement more closely during the peace negotiations between FARC and the Colombian government, namely the Havana process. There, there was a strong willingness to learn from different experiences, find allies, and build strategic alliances that could strengthen our own process. Our aim was to incorporate a gender perspective into the peace agreement.
As a feminist, I must say this: it is truly remarkable for a man to advocate for women’s rights; this is not easy. The fact that these ideas are being implemented in a conflict environment like that in Syria makes it even more significant. I must also state this clearly. We wish we had had an ally within the upper levels of leadership who supported the women’s struggle, even if not the top leader. If such support had existed, the process could have progressed much more easily.
In this context, I find the capacity of Kurdish women extremely valuable. This capacity has proven itself in practice: in organization, in politics, in social life, and in local governance. I believe this strength should be further expanded, made more visible, recognized at the international level, and that the alliance they have established with their leaders should be acknowledged as it deserves.”
Who is Victoria Sandino?
Victoria Sandino was born in 1965 in Tierralta, Colombia. She served for many years as a commander within the FARC and held positions in the organization’s highest military and political ranks. In 2013, she took part in the FARC delegation during the peace negotiations in Havana, becoming the only female spokesperson in the process and working to incorporate gender equality into the peace agreement.
In 2017, following FARC’s transformation into a political party, she joined the national leadership of Comunes. In the same year, she applied to the Special Jurisdiction for Peace and secured the right to participate in political life. She served in the Colombian Senate between 2018 and 2022.
Sandino is among the pioneers of “Insurgent Feminism,” a movement developed by former women guerrillas, and is recognized both nationally and internationally for her work on peace, women’s rights, and gender equality.
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