Displacement of Former Guerrilla Fighters in Southern Colombia

BOGOTA, Colombia (AP) — In a troubling development, dozens of former guerrilla fighters and their families were compelled to flee their village in southern Colombia on Tuesday due to death threats from a rival rebel group. These individuals, who were part of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), had been residing in Miravalle, a government-established village aimed at aiding their reintegration into civilian life following a peace agreement in 2016. The Iván Díaz front, a faction still engaged in conflict with the Colombian government, accused the Miravalle residents of supporting another rebel group and issued a 40-day ultimatum for their departure. Consequently, over 80 individuals, including former fighters and their families, relocated to another village 200 kilometers south, also populated by ex-FARC members. The Colombian government facilitated this move, providing support for the displaced families. Carlos Zamudio, a former FARC member, expressed a commitment to peace despite the forced relocation, emphasizing the importance of continuing their efforts to build a peaceful community. Since the peace deal, the government has established 24 villages, known as Temporary Spaces for Capacity Building and Reincorporation (ETCR), to assist former fighters in starting anew. However, many of these villages have seen a significant decline in population due to ongoing security threats and economic challenges. The Colombian government is currently engaged in peace negotiations with remaining rebel factions, yet ensuring the safety of former FARC fighters remains a pressing issue. A recent United Nations report highlighted the grim reality, noting that 416 former fighters have been murdered since the peace agreement was enacted.