A joint investigation by leading Colombian human rights organizations paints a troubling picture of the country’s security situation under President Gustavo Petro’s signature “Total Peace” initiative. According to the report, the strategy—meant to end decades of armed conflict through negotiated settlements—failed to deliver lasting results on the ground, weakened by institutional missteps and fierce resistance from criminal networks.
The numbers are stark. Between December 2022 and July 2026, membership in illegal armed groups grew by 90%, rising from roughly 15,100 to nearly 28,800 fighters. The Clan del Golfo, one of Colombia’s most powerful criminal organizations, expanded its territorial reach by 152%, now operating in 429 municipalities—about 39% of the country. Dissident factions of the former FARC guerrilla grew 109%, while the ELN rebel group expanded 22% and the Segunda Marquetalia network grew 108%.
The human toll has been severe. Between January and August 2025 alone, civilian casualties from explosive devices jumped 145%, leaving 544 victims, while landmine casualties rose 23%. Reported killings of social and community leaders reached 618 cases, and forced disappearances climbed 34%. In 2025, more than 120,000 people were forcibly displaced from their homes, according to the report.
The findings come even as the government touts economic gains, including a drop in overall poverty to 28% and extreme poverty to 9.6%. Researchers argue that social progress is now threatened by the resurgence of conflict.
You can read the full investigation at El Tiempo for more details on this troubling report.
Source: La ‘paz total’ al descubierto: grupos armados crecieron un 90% y se dispararon atentados y reclutamiento (eltiempo.com). English version produced with AI assistance.
Image: asboluv, BY 2.0 (via Openverse).