Special congressional seats for black communities: Reality or illusion?

This article evaluates the process of inclusion and recognition of ethnic minorities in the Colombian political system. The article describes specifically the particular context and current situation of the two special seats of  African-Colombian communities in the Colombian National Congress. The first part of this essay describes the legal norms of these special seats hand in hand with the history of African­ Colombian political organization. Second, a critical evaluation is made of the political achievements of the congressmen who have been elected for those special seats. Third, is an analysis of the way that the concepts of differentiated citizenship and group political representation have been adopted in the Colombian political system. Finally, some ideas are proposed to introduce modifications into the Colombian political system in order to allow African-Colombian minorities to participate politically as a strong and visible group.