Colombia’s Rebels Sign Historic Agreement Ending 50-Year War

Colombians gather in Bogota's Bolivar Square on Sept. 26, 2016, to celebrate the historic peace agreement between the Colombian government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC.

Colombians will have the final say on endorsing or rejecting the accord in the Oct. 2 referendum. Opinion polls point to an almost-certain victory for the "yes" vote. 

Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos, front left, and the head of the FARC guerrillas, Rodrigo Londono, better known by his nom de guerre, Timoleon "Timochenko" Jimenez, shake hands during the signing of the historic peace agreement in Cartagena, Colombia.

Santos, who for years was the FARC's top military opponent, proclaimed that the signing of the accord will put an end to generations of bloody combat that has killed more than 220,000 and displaced millions, creating the conditions for wounds to heal and the country to prosper in the years ahead.

FARC rebels and supporters watch a live broadcast of the peace agreement signing ceremony while in Colombia's Yari Plains, a remote area of southern Colombia where the group recently concluded its last congress as a guerrilla army by endorsing the deal.

A chorus of FARC rebels sings in the Yari Plains.

FARC rebels embrace as they watch the signing of the peace accords in the Yari Plains. 

FARC rebels and supporters in watch a live broadcast of the peace agreement signing ceremony in the Yari Plains.

FARC guerrillas attend the broadcast of the signing of the peace agreement in the Yari Plains.

The colors of the national flag are projected on the walls of the Convention Center in Cartagena on Sept. 26 at the end of the signing ceremony of the historic peace agreement between the Colombian government and the FARC.

PHOTOS: Colombian Rebels Prepare For Peace