President Gustavo Petro has established Zonas de Ubicación Temporal (ZUT) to relocate combatants and suspend capture orders for certain armed groups [1].
These measures represent a significant shift in the government's "Total Peace" strategy. By providing safe havens and halting arrests, the administration aims to incentivize groups like the Clan del Golfo and Frente 33 to enter formal negotiations and facilitate potential extraditions [1], [3].
The resolution creating these zones was signed on May 23, 2024 [1]. According to government plans, the zones are scheduled to operate from June to December 2024 [2].
The ZUTs are being planned across five departments: Córdoba, Chocó, Norte de Santander, Putumayo, and Nariño [1]. This geographical spread targets key corridors used by illegal armed organizations to maintain territorial control [1].
To support the transition, the government has suspended capture orders for individuals moving toward these zones, including those facing extradition [3]. However, this benefit does not apply to everyone; eight specific extraditable individuals are excluded from entering the ZUTs [4].
The policy has sparked friction between the executive branch and the Fiscalía, led by Luz Adriana Camargo [1]. Some experts and foundations said that granting territorial concessions to criminal organizations could undermine the rule of law [1].
There is a contradiction regarding the president's awareness of the specific individuals involved. Some reports indicate Petro was not informed that subjects requested for extradition were included in the ZUTs, while other reports said the suspension of capture orders was a planned mechanism to allow mobilization [1], [3].
“The government is creating Zonas de Ubicación Temporal (ZUT) and suspending capture orders for members of armed groups.”
The creation of ZUTs highlights the tension between the Colombian government's desire for a negotiated peace and the judicial requirement for accountability. By suspending capture orders, the state risks alienating the judiciary and public perception of justice, while simultaneously betting that temporary territorial concessions will lead to a permanent reduction in violence.
