DDR (Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration) are essential in countries in which peace operations involve armed groups. This is the case in the Colombian peace process in which more than 7,000 ex-combatants are involved. As part of the peace agreement, the Colombian government has the compromise to implement a reincorporation process to the ex-combatants but with prevalence on a collective perspective, which means the implementation of economic, social and political collective actions not just for the ex-combatants but also in benefit of the surrounding communities. This approach has not been easy for both the ex-combatants and the government as this is the first reincorporation policy, which points out on a collective approach.
The author employed an ethnography approach to analyze the local characteristics of collective reincorporation in the daily life of ex-combatants and surrounding communities. The study took place in three territories where ex-combatants are located in Caquetá and Antioquia departments.
Using in depth interviews and daily participatory observation, the author identifies that different external and internal aspects have influenced the success of a collective reincorporation, such as international aid, security conditions, local support, internal organization, sense of belonging to the FARC and to the collectivity and social leadership.
Two important aspects imply an appropriate collective reincorporation, a long-term intervention that involve development approach rather than economic temporal benefits. In addition, the active participation of surrounding communities, as they become the new social network for ex-combatants. This integration restore the trust and the social fabric in the post-conflict communities and contribute at the same time in the reduction of stereotypes and prejudices toward the ex-guerrillas.
