Colombian Homicide Rate Drops by 7% Amidst Protests and Ceasefire with Armed Groups

Despite protests that have affected several regions in Colombia, the national government has celebrated a 7% reduction in the homicide rate during the first two months of 2023. The Ministry of Defense reported 2,115 murders between January and February 2023, compared to 2,278 documented in the same period last year, resulting in 163 fewer cases.

The ceasefire between Colombia and four armed groups has led to significant reductions in violence during its first month, according to the Ministry of Security. The decline coincided with the ceasefire period decreed by the government of President Gustavo Petro. During the same period, terrorist attacks in the country also dropped by 80%, with 138 attacks registered the previous year compared to only 27 cases in 2023.

President Petro aims to achieve what he calls “total peace” through the disarmament and surrender of all armed actors in the country.

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