Colombia: Pockets of insecurity challenge ‘vibrant democracy’, Security Council says

“The high voter turnout on June 21 is a sign of the Colombian people’s strong desire to make their voices heard in a dynamic democracy.,” said Miroslav Jenča, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Colombia and head of the UN Verification Mission, which monitored the 2016 Peace Agreement that ended deadly clashes between the Government and the FARC-EP rebel group.

Voting in both rounds was conducted in a “peaceful and orderly manner,” with security forces deployed to protect the process while national and international election observers provided independent oversight, he said, noting that this would be the third government elected since the signing of a historic agreement in 2016.

Security vacuum cleaner

Security is one of the main concerns of voters in Colombia, said Jenča, while presenting the Secretary-General’s quarterly report on recent developments in Colombia.

“That The areas where the most severe violence currently occurs are in areas where the implementation of agreements and the presence of state institutions is inadequatehe explained.

It is true, the ongoing violence between armed groups and criminal organizations for control of strategic routes and illicit economies is enabled by a long-standing security, governance and development vacuum, he added.

‘Holistic’ Solutions

Mr Jenča also highlighted the “intense” debate over the impact of recent peace initiatives with armed groups, given the limited results and concerns that such groups are exploiting to expand their reach in various regions.

At the same time, security challenges in areas still affected by conflict have deep and diverse roots.

“To overcome this, a holistic solution is needed as called for in the 2016 Peace Agreement,” he said.

Support Colombia

That Security Council authorized the establishment in 2017 of a UN Verification Mission in Colombia to oversee implementation of the agreement.

However, the Council narrowed the scope of the mission’s mandate in October 2025, even as that year saw the assassination attempt and subsequent endorsement of one of Colombia’s presidential candidates.

However, the country held largely peaceful elections in March and June 2026.

Colombia also receives support from UN agencies and through peacebuilding entities.

Read our explanation of the UN Peacebuilding Fund Here.

Follow complete coverage of today’s meeting Here.