The Humanitarian Assistance Group for the Demobilized (GAHD) of the Ministry of Defense accompanies those who decide to lay down their weapons and take advantage of the benefits established by the National Government.
Colombia is advancing in its purpose of demobilization and reintegration of members of criminal groups with significant results. During this government, 450 people demobilized. This is complemented by 891 disengaged members and more than 1,800 surrenders in the last 3 years.
This momentum is reinforced by the Permanent Directive 18 of 2025, issued by the Ministry of National Defense, which updates economic incentives and prioritizes a humane approach since the very beginning. The bonuses, which vary - depending on the role and the collaboration – encourage the distribution of minors, the presentation of members, the handing over of war material and the provision of useful information. The payments range from 2.5 legal minimum monthly salaries for the disengagement of a minor, up to 280 for the presentation of a main ringleader, in addition to rewards for findings such as laboratories, minefields or illegal money.
The directive in the same way introduces the Peace Houses, spaces where for 90 days the demobilized and their families receive assistance, food and psychosocial support, while information is collected and their reintegration is planned. In this process, the Agency for Reintegration and Normalization (ARN) participates by providing comprehensive care, access to formal education, job training and seed capital for productive projects, in coordination with local authorities and the Military Forces.
Challenges persist: labor stigmatization and high vulnerability in security. However, the indicators show sustained progress: 93% of the beneficiaries overcome their emotional predicaments and 82% overcome illiteracy. “If we do not transform the territory, there will be no security,” Defense Minister Pedro Sánchez Suárez reiterated, highlighting that peace is built with the heavy engagement of the State, the private sector and society.
With incentives and comprehensive support, every person who gives up their weapons not only breaks with violence, but opens a path to a dignified and peaceful life.
Data as of October 2025
When she was eight, Sofia was taken by the GAO Clan del Golfo; now she found in surrendering a new life opportunity…
Sofia was eight years old when she was tricked into joining the GAO Clan del Golfo. They promised her money and protection, but she found only abuse, fear and violence. "Everything they tell you is a lie. To get out there, you must scape or be killed. At the age of twelve, I was obliged to torture a person... just because he didn't want to pay for vaccinations (extortion),” she recalls.
After being a victim of rape and witnessing torture, “I was raped because a commander just wanted to but, I didn't want anything with him; he took me by force. He raped me because he wanted to, just because, because they are the ones in charge...” this is how Sofia decided to escape to save her life and that of her son, “I thought about his future because he is a child who is not guilty for living, [he must not live] what I lived,” says Sofia.
A new life…
”Do not go there for the money, or for anything, because money is not everything in this life and your life goes first, and your family too, because when you get into those groups outlaw, you put your family in risk,” Sofia emphasizes, and in the same way concludes: “my invitation is that you do not fall into those traps, [those offerings] are not a reality."
Sofia reflects the strength of those who decide to break the chains of violence. Currently, with the support of the Humanitarian Assistance Group for the Demobilized (GAHD) and the Agency for Reintegration and Normalization (ARN), she is learning a trade and building a life project far from fear and at peace with society.
Source: Press - Ministry of Defense
