Colombian singer Juanes met with former guerrillas to talk about the need for peace in Colombia.
In part with his initiative of promoting peace, the singer met with former members of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) in the southwest department of Villavicencio.
“Today I want to hear the perpetrators because this is part of my pursuit of peace,” said Juanes Monday.
After hearing the various stories of the former FARC members, Juanes began writing an article for Colombian newspaper El Tiempo, detailing the surrounding violence and the effect these guerrilla’s have not only the people but to the members forced into the FARC.
Besides the emotional effect it had on the Medellin native, he explained in depth the story of a 22-year old name Jose Luis who was been separated from FARC for three months. Luis said members that leave are threatened of being tortured and killed.
In spite of a concerted effort by the Colombian government, that included approximately $8 billion in U.S. assistance over the last ten years, the rebel group still operates in 25 of 32 Colombian departments.
Juanes released his solo debut album, “Fiajate Bien” in 2000 which earned him three Latin Grammy awards. His follow up album, “Un Dia Normal” was released in 2002 and was later certified platinum in multiple countries throughout South America. Juanes’ third album, “Mi Sangre” achieved success due to the single “La Camisa Negra.” He has since released “La Vida…Es Un Ratico” in 2007 and “P.A.R.C.E” in 2010.
Juanes is also known for his humanitarian work, especially with aid for Colombian victims of land mines.
