Colombia: At least 1000 ex-FARC militants join criminal groups

Event

On Thursday, November 23, Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos announced the government will increase efforts to combat former militants of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) who have joined armed criminal groups in recent months. Security officials estimate that around 1000 former FARC members have joined organizations involved in drug trafficking. Additionally, UN officials reported that many former FARC militants have left government demobilization camps due to the slow pace of government reintegration activities. Security officials are concerned that outside of the government camps, the former fighters are vulnerable to recruitment by criminal organizations.

Context

A revised peace deal between the FARC and the Colombian government was ratified by the Colombian congress in November 2016 despite vocal opposition, led primarily by former President Álvaro Uribe. The deal ended an armed conflict that has killed more than 260,000 people over five decades. Following complete disarmament of the FARC in August, an estimated 11,300 former militants moved into 26 demobilization zones, where they are receiving training to help transition to civilian life.

Paramilitary crime organizations (BACRIM) have replaced leftist guerrillas as the most serious armed threat in Colombia today. They have become increasingly active in recent months, moving into territory vacated by the FARC.

Advice

Individuals in Colombia are advised to keep abreast of the situation.

Additionally, due to the presence of a number of armed groups - including organized crime groups, drug cartels, right-wing militias, and local gangs - many Western governments advise against travel to various regions of the country (particularly rural zones), with the notable exceptions of the northern Caribbean regions and central areas (including Bogotá).