‘FARC’ revival poses major security threat in Colombia

Subject

'FARC' revival.

Significance

Nine dissidents formerly of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) were reportedly killed on August 30, in an air strike President Ivan Duque claimed would send a “clear message” to rearming rebels. The operation followed the publication of a video on August 29 in which former FARC commander and lead peace negotiator Luciano Marin, alias ‘Ivan Marquez’, rejected his group’s peace process, calling upon former rebels to join a “new phase of the armed struggle”.

Impacts

• Duque will portray the group as mere criminals, but its self-identification as the FARC will stick, to the detriment of the peace process.
• The remaining leadership of the demobilised FARC political party has condemned the calls to rearm but could face reprisals.
• While alliances would strengthen the new ‘FARC’, failure to achieve such deals may lead to conflict with FARC splinter groups or the ELN.
• Rebel attacks will increase as the new group establishes itself, especially in the lead-up to October’s elections.