Colombia: FARC plans to register political party on September 1

Event

The Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) announced on Monday, July 24, that it will register as a political party on September 1. The 2016 peace accord allots the group ten unelected seats in congress through 2026. FARC leaders have yet to announce a name for the party or nominate members to the legislature. Demonstrations against FARC involvement in the Colombian legislature are possible in Bogotá and other major cities, as well as attacks by FARC dissidents opposing the peace deal.

Context

A revised peace deal between the FARC and the Colombian government was ratified by the Colombian congress on November 30, 2016, after being signed on November 24, and submitted to the lower house by President Juan Manuel Santos on November 29. Despite vocal opposition, led primarily by former President Álvaro Uribe, the lower house ratified the pact a day after it was endorsed by the senate. The deal aims to end an armed conflict that has killed more than 260,000 people over five decades.

Members of the FARC officially surrendered their remaining weapons to the United Nations Mission in Colombia during a ceremony on June 27. The event took place in the town of Mesetas and was attended by President Santos. The completion of the disarmament process is seen as a major step in securing long-term peace.

Advice

Individuals in Colombia are advised to keep abreast of the situation and to avoid any protests by those opposing the peace deal and political involvement of FARC.

Due to the presence of various armed groups, including narcotrafficking, organized crime, and left-wing guerrilla groups, 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).