ACTIVE Global

Colombia Armed Groups: Post-Peace Accord Violence and coca Production

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LOC:

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Conflict Intensity Index

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Overview

Despite the 2016 peace agreement with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), the country continues to face significant security challenges from multiple armed groups. The ELN, FARC dissidents, and criminal organizations compete for control of narcotrafficking routes and illegal mining operations.

Conflict Classification

Type: Internal armed conflict with transnational organized crime dimensions
Duration: 1964 – Present (evolving conflict dynamics)
Primary Actors: ELN, FARC dissident groups, Clan del Golfo, various bandas criminales

Background

The Colombian conflict has roots in decades of political violence, land inequality, and weak state presence in rural areas. While the 2016 peace accord significantly reduced violence from FARC, other armed actors have expanded to fill power vacuums.

Current Armed Groups

ELN (National Liberation Army)

Colombia largest remaining insurgency with approximately 2,500-3,000 fighters. Operates across multiple regions and maintains presence in Venezuela. Peace negotiations have been intermittent.

FARC Dissidents

Multiple factions rejected the peace accord and continue armed operations. The 1st Front and Segunda Marquetalia are the most significant groups, with combined strength of approximately 2,500 fighters.

Clan del Golfo

A neo-paramilitary organization with approximately 1,200 fighters controlling narcotrafficking corridors on the Caribbean coast. Operates as a criminal rather than political organization.

Security Dynamics

Coca Production: Cultivation has increased since the peace accord, reaching approximately 245,000 hectares
Force Concentration: Armed groups compete for territory in border regions and Pacific coast
Social Leaders: Over 1,300 social leaders and human rights defenders killed since 2016

Government Response

The administration of President Gustavo Petro has pursued a policy of Total Peace, seeking simultaneous negotiations with multiple armed groups while strengthening state presence in conflict-affected areas.