Reconciliation sentiment among former perpetrators of violence during the Colombian armed conflict

In: Conflict resolution quarterly, Volume 36, Issue 2, p. 163-175

Abstract

This study assessed reconciliation sentiment among former members of Colombian paramilitary and guerilla groups. A total of 103 participants who were detained in rehabilitation centers were presented with an augmented version of the Reconciliation Sentiment Questionnaire. Overall, participants considered that they had achieved some measure of reconciliation with the people they harmed. Most viewed themselves as able to control their nervousness and impulses in situations in which victims were physically present or victims were simply evoked, and most felt sure, to a reasonable extent, that victims did not intend to seek vengeance. Nevertheless, a minority—mostly former members of the guerillas and detainees who did not attend rehabilitation programs—was not sure that acts of vengeance would not be attempted. A majority of participants was, to some extent, willing to trust and cooperate with former victims and probably the society at large. Only two, however, were totally convinced that it would be possible to do so.