Conflict transformation through peace journalism in Colombia

Colombia is a country of contradictions. But perhaps the world saw its political polarisation reach its peak during the 2016 plebiscite to ratify the peace process where the “no” vote – opposed to a peace deal between the government and Colombia’s largest guerrilla group, FARC (Colombian revolutionary armed forces) - obtained a slight majority (Telesur, 26 June, 2017). The dramatic vote brought to light some of the country’s innermost socio-cultural conflicts: discussions on women’s and sexual diversity rights, as well as indigenous, farmers’ and afro-Colombian rights. The peace deal clause on allowing former FARC members to run for public office also brought back historical discussions on intolerance toward political diversity (Alerta Digital, 2016). While it is uncertain whether the updated peace process (ratified after the vote) (El País, 2016) will bring long-lasting peace to the country, journalists have an important role to play in conflict transformation as agents of peace. By portraying a pluralism of voices and following victim restitution processes closely, the Colombian media can play a positive role in this transition. Peace journalism aims to take a political stance on moral grounds when it comes to reporting on conflict. The peace process with FARC has brought international interest to Colombia and opened the airwaves to different conflict actors to speak out. In this panorama, peace journalism can flourish, presenting an opportunity for the country’s conflict transformation phase