Colombia’s FARC guerillas say 2016 peace has failed, call for armed revolution

A small cadre of rebel hardliners have vowed to resume their insurgency in a major reversal for the country’s efforts to end decades of bloody fighting

The Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) was initially founded in 1964 and grew to become the region’s largest and most effective guerilla army

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Former FARC leader Ivan Marquez, centre, and other ex-commanders announced that they are taking up arms again on Thursday. Photo: EPA

Published: 10:22am, 30 Aug 2019Updated: 10:33pm, 30 Aug 2019

Colombian President Ivan Duque said the full weight of the nation’s military will be brought to bear on the high-profile commanders of the now defunct Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC, who announced in a video that they are relaunching Latin America’s largest and bloodiest guerilla army.

In a televised statement, Duque put a bounty of almost US$900,000 on former FARC commanders who announced in a video released on Thursday that a 2016 peace deal had failed and that it was time to take up arms again.

Colombian President Ivan Duque. Photo: AP

“Colombians must understand that we are not witnessing the birth of a new guerilla movement but the threats of a narcoterrorist criminal gang that counts on the safe harbour and support of [Venezuelan] dictator Nicolas Maduro,” Duque said. “Let’s not fall into the trap of those who disguise their criminal activities by hiding behind false ideology.”

In the video, Ivan Marquez, the FARC’s former No. 2 and the group’s chief peace negotiator, said the group had “begun again” and will use weapons and force to take on corruption and the failings of the state.

He also said the movement’s “strategic goal” is “peace in Colombia with social justice, democracy, sovereignty and decorum”.