As talks for a peace deal resumed this week between the Colombian government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, international donors are keeping an eye on their progress and — in the case a deal is signed — are prepared to roll out assistance.
Ruthless conflict between the FARC and government forces has ravaged Colombia for five decades, making many areas unreachable for the aid and economic growth that the rest of the country has enjoyed. But with the government for the first time considering a bilateral cease-fire, the two powers are closer than ever to reaching a peace accord, which donors say would unlock opportunities for development cooperation.
Donors such as the World Bank and the European Union have been consulting with the Colombian government to prepare for assistance amid hopes of reaching a peace deal.