Colombia: Remaining FARC weapons to be turned in June 27

Event

On Tuesday, June 27, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) are scheduled to turn in the remaining 40 percent of their weapons to the United Nations Mission in Colombia, completing the disarmament process outlined by the peace agreement reached between the FARC and the Colombian government in November 2016. The completion of the disarmament process is seen as a major step in securing long-term peace.

While the original deadline for turning in the the remaining weapons was May 31, an extension was granted due logistical problems for both the FARC and the UN.

Context

Some FARC leaders claim that the government has been slow to enact the peace agreement. They have complained that many of the 26 transition camps, which are intended to help FARC members reintegrate back into society, lack basic supplies and facilities. The most recent report by the UN Secretary General estimates that not even 10 percent of the transition camps have been completed. These transition camps are a major component of the peace agreement.

Since the peace agreement was signed in November 2016, Colombian security forces have been unable to secure much of the territory formerly occupied by the FARC, with other criminal or paramilitary groups, such as the National Liberation Army (ELN), often stepping into the vacuum.

Advice

Due to the presence of a number of armed groups - including organized crime groups, drug cartels, right-wing paramilitaries, and local gangs - many Western governments advise against travel to various regions of the country (particularly rural zones), with the notable exceptions of the northern Caribbean regions and central areas (including Bogotá).