Bogota, Colombia - The resurgence of armed conflict by dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) serves as a stark reminder of the perils of appeasement and the importance of maintaining a robust security apparatus to protect citizens from terrorism. In an exclusive interview with Al Jazeera, FARC dissidents admitted they returned to war due to the government's failure to guarantee their safety, exposing the inherent weaknesses in the 2016 peace agreement and the naiveté of those who believed it would bring lasting peace.

The peace accord, negotiated with a terrorist organization responsible for decades of violence and drug trafficking, granted significant concessions to the FARC, including amnesties for heinous crimes and guaranteed representation in Congress. These concessions, critics argued, emboldened the FARC and created a climate of impunity that undermined the rule of law.

The dissidents' claim that the government failed to provide adequate security is a direct result of the weakening of the Colombian military and police forces under the previous administration, which prioritized negotiation over security. This allowed criminal organizations and paramilitary groups to flourish in areas formerly controlled by the FARC, creating a power vacuum that the dissidents have now exploited.

The return to violence by FARC dissidents underscores the need for a strong and decisive response from the Colombian government. This includes strengthening the military and police forces, increasing intelligence gathering, and cracking down on criminal organizations and paramilitary groups.

Furthermore, the government must resist the temptation to negotiate with terrorists and instead focus on bringing them to justice. Appeasement only emboldens terrorists and encourages further violence. A strong and uncompromising stance is essential for deterring future attacks and protecting Colombian citizens.

The international community should support the Colombian government's efforts to combat terrorism and restore order. This includes providing financial and technical assistance to strengthen the security forces and combat drug trafficking.

The resurgence of violence is a setback for the peace process, but it is not a reason to abandon the fight against terrorism. A strong and resolute response is essential for ensuring the safety and security of the Colombian people and preserving the country's democratic institutions.

The Colombian government must reassess its strategy for dealing with the FARC and adopt a more realistic and pragmatic approach that prioritizes security and the rule of law.

The international community should condemn the actions of the FARC dissidents and reaffirm its commitment to supporting the Colombian government in its fight against terrorism.

The peace agreement should be reviewed and revised to address its inherent weaknesses and ensure that it does not reward terrorists for their crimes.