Violence escalated in southwestern Colombia on Monday with a bomb blast in Jamundi injuring six people and an attack on a police station in Morales leaving at least two officers dead. The government attributed these attacks to the FARC-EMC, a rebel group that split from the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia and did not sign the 2016 peace deal where over 14,000 rebels demobilized. The western faction of the FARC-EMC walked away from peace talks in April and has since been carrying out attacks on military and police, aiming to become the only group in Colombia directly targeting the state. Analysts believe this could lead to a permanent split within the FARC-EMC, leading to atomization and fragmentation in the conflict.
With approximately 5,000 fighters, the FARC-EMC is the third-largest armed group in Colombia, behind the Gaitanista Self Defense Forces and the National Liberation Army. Colombian President Gustavo Petro has been working to hold peace talks with the remaining rebel groups in Colombia under a strategy known as total peace. While some ceasefires have been signed and discussions on development programs and rural reforms have begun, experts believe the strategy has had mixed results. Although violence between the military and armed groups has reduced, crimes like kidnapping, extortion, and child recruitment have increased as armed groups strive to gain control over rural communities and illegal businesses once managed by the FARC.
The FARC-EMC has continued to profit from illegal activities such as mining and the drug trade, despite peace talks being held in other parts of the country with rebel groups. The fragmentation within the FARC-EMC could have significant implications for civilians, as the group’s western front led by commander Ivan Mordisco might split from the eastern factions that are still involved in peace talks. This situation could lead to further violence and instability in Colombia as different groups compete for power and control in the aftermath of the peace deal with the FARC.
Although Colombia has seen a decrease in overall violence since the 2016 peace deal, the recent attacks and increased criminal activities highlight the ongoing challenges the country faces in achieving lasting peace and stability. The government’s efforts to engage in peace talks with rebel groups have had mixed results, with some groups continuing to engage in illegal activities and violence. The situation in southwestern Colombia demonstrates the complexities of the conflict in the country, with different factions of armed groups pursuing their own agendas and competing for control over territories and resources.
As the government grapples with the challenges of maintaining peace and security in Colombia, the recent attacks by the FARC-EMC serve as a reminder of the continued threat posed by rebel groups in the country. The fragmentation within the FARC-EMC and the group’s refusal to engage in peace talks could further destabilize the region and increase violence against civilians and security forces. The government will need to address these issues effectively to prevent further escalation of the conflict and work towards a sustainable peace in Colombia.
