Examples from around the world: How did they lay down their weapons?

From Colombia to the Philippines, numerous countries have undergone long, challenging peace processes involving insurgent groups disarmament. How do these groups lay down their weapons, and what procedures are followed? Here’s an overview of some of history’s most significant peace agreements. (Report: Derya Acemoğlu)

Kokcha News Agency examines the critical phases of disarmament and peace-building experienced by insurgent groups around the world, focusing on notable cases from Colombia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and El Salvador.

Colombia’s Historic Peace Agreement
One of the most remarkable examples is Colombia’s peace process. After over 52 years of internal conflict that resulted in approximately 260,000 deaths, the Colombian government and FARC—one of Latin America’s oldest insurgent groups—signed a comprehensive peace accord in 2016.
The disarmament process was overseen under United Nations supervision, during which 7,132 weapons were surrendered, and the guerrilla’s clandestine caches were largely destroyed. The agreement included land reforms, special courts for crimes committed, and the reintegration of former fighters into civilian life, with many joining political parties. Despite peace, violence and assassinations of ex-combatants have persisted, including targeted killings of disarmed guerrillas.

Indonesia’s Aceh Peace Process
In Southeast Asia, Indonesia’s Aceh conflict involved the Free Aceh Movement (GAM), fighting for independence since the 1970s. The tsunami in 2004 created a turning point, as the tragedy fostered peace efforts. In 2005, Indonesia signed a peace deal in Helsinki, leading to the disarmament of GAM, which then transitioned into a political party. The region gained autonomous status, and former fighters were reintegrated into society through various programs. The peace accord was largely successful, although sporadic violence has occasionally resurfaced.

Philippines’ Moro Conflict
The Philippines’ decades-long conflict in Mindanao involved the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). After 40 years of fighting that claimed over 120,000 lives, the 2014 Framework Agreement and subsequent peace deal led to the establishment of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). The disarmament of rebel fighters was a gradual step, with weapons handed over under UN supervision and fighters rejoining society. This process included demilitarization, land reintegration, and development projects aimed at fostering stability and peace.

El Salvador’s Peace Agreement
In Central America, El Salvador’s internal conflict from 1979 to 1992 involved the Farabundo Martí National Liberation Front (FMLN), backed by Cuba and the Soviet Union. The war resulted in about 75,000 deaths. The peace process culminated in the 1992 peace accords, which included disarmament, a ceasefire, and the transformation of FMLN into a political party. A general amnesty was granted, and former guerrillas entered electoral politics, marking a pivotal moment in ending violence in the country.

Disarmament and peace processes require lengthy, complex negotiations and often involve UN oversight, legal reforms, and societal reintegration programs. Despite variations, the common goal remains: turning weapons into peace and building sustainable stability.