A vicious circle.

The cycle of violence, corruption and murder are systemic and pervasive in Columbia. Where to start in breaking this dysfunctional system? Many have argued that land reform is the sine qua non for fundamental change. However the land owners are the rich who have serious political clout in the country. Can you get turkeys to vote early for Christmas? Its necessary to get them to see that its in their own interest in the long term, to see that change will also benefit them. The capital Bogota has a population similar to that of London, but with a significantly higher murder rate. In the last 20 years that has dropped by some 90%. President Santos held a referendum in October last year about a decision regarding the peace process. The left wing Farc group have agreed to accept a negotiated peace with the government and in the next few months to enter parliamentary elections. In an educational programme last night Columbia with Simon Reeve helped us to understand the complexity of issues underpinning the country.