Colombia’s presidential race haunted by fear of returning to decades of violence

Colombia’s presidential contest is dominated by fear of a relapse into the country’s long war, as candidates propose divergent security approaches—one favoring tough state action and peacemaking with criminal groups, the other pushing a hardline crackdown. Survivors recount the toll of past abuses, including the “false positives” killings and kidnappings, while ongoing violence and a partial ceasefire among armed groups underscore concerns that peace gains could unravel with a change in leadership.