💨 Abstract

Illegal armed groups in Colombia have surged in numbers and territorial control in the past three years, with 21,958 members now, up 45% from mid-2022. This increase is despite efforts by President Gustavo Petro's "total peace" policy, which aimed to end conflict through ceasefires and negotiations. The rise is attributed to poorly designed ceasefires and the resilience of groups funding themselves through drug trafficking and illegal activities.

Courtesy: theprint.in