Al Jazeera exclusive: rebel FARC faction in Colombia speaks on camera
Al Jazeera has published an exclusive on-camera interview with a rebel FARC faction in southern Colombia that has refused to disarm. The commanders explain why they remain outside President Gustavo Petro's 'Total Peace' framework. The footage exposes the limits of disarmament politics ahead of the 2026 presidential election.
An Al Jazeera correspondent conducted an exclusive on-camera interview with a FARC dissident faction operating in a remote area of southern Colombia that has refused to lay down weapons. The commanders interviewed said they do not trust the 'Total Peace' (Paz Total) framework set up after the 2016 accord, and accused the state of failing to deliver promised protection. Bogotá has described these factions as 'remaining radical elements'.
The interview also covered the faction's economic dependence on coca production and the local economy. Colombia's defence ministry reported an 18% rise in drug-linked killings last year. Sandra Borda, a political scientist at the Universidad de los Andes, told Al Jazeera that 'the partial failure of the Petro peace framework stems from gaps in structural development-and-security policy'.
Colombia votes for president on Sunday. Roberta Braga of the Atlantic Council said the interview 'could reshape the campaign conversation on disarmament policy'. EU diplomatic teams from Caracas and Organization of American States observer missions have moved into the region to monitor the electoral process and assess local security conditions.
More from South America
Tiny Guyana poised for big Iran-war oil gains and growth strains
With the Strait of Hormuz still under pressure following the Iran war, Guyana is poised for sharp gains from rising oil exports, according to Investing.com. The Exxon-led Stabroek block is expected to push 2026 production toward 720,000 barrels a day, boosting state-budget transfers but stretching infrastructure and governance.
SK Hynix on track to become second Korean firm to hit $1 trillion market cap
Record demand for AI memory chips has pushed SK Hynix's market capitalisation close to the $1 trillion mark. If achieved, it would make the firm South Korea's second company to hit that level after Samsung Electronics.
Three dead after monster truck crashes into crowd
A monster truck crashed into a crowd at a show in Colombia, killing at least three people and injuring 38. The incident raises fresh concerns about public safety at large events.