Colombia’s Insurgency Threat: Foreign State Threat September

Colombia’s Insurgency Threat FOREIGN STATE THREAT September 5, 2020

Colombia's internal conflict has long been characterized by the presence of insurgent groups, most notably the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). Established in 1964 as a Marxist-Leninist guerrilla movement, FARC initially aimed to represent rural populations' interests but gradually transformed into a criminal enterprise engaged in drug trafficking, kidnapping, extortion, and violent insurgencies. Over the decades, FARC evolved into a formidable threat to Colombia’s national security and stability, exerting control over significant territories and influencing political, social, and economic domains. This paper evaluates whether FARC remains a significant threat to Colombia today, considering its ongoing influence, criminal activities, and societal impact, despite the 2016 peace agreement and subsequent disarmament efforts.

FARC's origins trace back to the civil unrest following Colombia's mid-20th-century conflict, rooted in land inequality and social unrest. Initially, the group sought revolutionary change by overthrowing the government with support from rural communities, notably farmers and landless workers. Their financing was primarily derived from illegal activities such as drug trafficking, gold mining, and kidnapping for ransom. Over time, however, their objectives shifted from revolutionary ideals to survival tactics, including terrorizing civilians and controlling natural resources. FARC's violence and insurgency have caused widespread instability, particularly in rural areas where government presence is weak. They have engaged in bombings, ambushes, landmine placements, and attacks on infrastructure such as pipelines, bridges, and social centers, often resulting in civilian casualties, including women and children (CISAC, 2019).

The organization’s operational structure comprises small cells that combine into regional blocs, allowing flexibility and resilience. Despite the 2016 peace deal, numerous fighters rejected disarmament, reverting to clandestine activities or forming dissident factions. Current estimates suggest that FARC still possesses approximately 7,000 active fighters, supported by a network of sympathizers and illicit financiers. Their ongoing activities include drug trafficking, illegal mining, and limited insurgent actions, which continue to challenge Colombian security efforts (BBC News, 2016). Their influence extends beyond armed conflict, impacting political stability, economic development, and human rights. The group's imposition of social control—through curfews, taxation, and restrictions on fishing and social activities—undermines local economies and autonomy (HRW, n.d.).

FARC's control over drug trade corridors and illegal resources sustains a parallel economy that undermines Colombia’s formal institutions. The group’s enforcement of rules and threats deters civic participation and fosters a climate of fear. Civilians opposing FARC are subjected to violence, including murder, sexual violence, and exploitation, particularly of women and children. The group’s methods deliberately weaken societal resilience, especially by attacking health workers and social service providers, which impairs access to healthcare and hampers development efforts (ICRC, 2020). Their strategy of social control, combined with targeted violence, effectively destabilizes local communities, rendering effective governance and security enforcement difficult.

The Colombian government's response has evolved over the years. The 2016 peace agreement marked a critical diplomatic effort, leading to FARC’s disarmament, transformation into a political party, and ongoing participation in the democratic process. However, dissident factions have refused to disarm, maintaining clandestine operations and continuing criminal activities. The government has deployed military and police forces to dismantle remaining insurgent groups, particularly targeting drug trafficking networks and illegal mining operations. Security has improved in urban centers but remains inadequate in rural regions where insurgents and criminal organizations operate with relative impunity. Furthermore, the reliance on military solutions alone has been insufficient, necessitating broader strategies that include civic engagement, social programs, and regional development (UN, 2020).

Despite the peace process, FARC continues to pose a threat to Colombia, primarily through illicit activities and criminal influence. Their capacity to challenge state authority persists in some regions, with ongoing violence and social disruption. The presence of dissidents and continued drug trafficking threaten to undermine stability and economic growth. Additionally, human rights violations linked to FARC activities, including violence against civilians, exploitation, and destruction of infrastructure, remain a profound concern. Therefore, while the formal disarmament and political reintegration have reduced armed conflict intensity, FARC’s legacy as a criminal and insurgent actor sustains a persistent threat to Colombia’s national security and societal wellbeing.

References

• BBC News. (2016, November 24). Who are the FARC? Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-37882774
• CISAC. (2019). Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia. Center for Strategic and International Studies. Retrieved from https://www.csis.org
• Human Rights Watch (HRW). (n.d.). Guerrilla Violations Of International Humanitarian Law. Retrieved from https://www.hrw.org
• International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). (2020, March 3). Healthcare under threat in Colombia. Retrieved from https://www.icrc.org
• United Nations (UN). (2020, July 14). Increased Attacks against Community Leaders, Human Rights Defenders Pose Gravest Threat to Colombia Peace Process. Retrieved from https://www.un.org