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Jun 19, 2026 Major2
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FARC Dissident Faction Surrenders Weapons in Colombian Peace Process
Approximately 100 FARC dissidents in Colombia handed over weapons in a formal ceremony as part of President Gustavo Petro's peace initiative, with participants set to enter a temporary settlement zone for civilian integration. The dissident faction, led by Geovany Andrés Rojas, made the surrender despite his arrest on drug trafficking charges. The ceremony marks a step in Colombia's 'total peace' policy, which opens parallel negotiations with multiple armed groups.
Quick Facts
Who
FARC dissidents (National Coordinating Committee of the Bolivarian Army)
What
Surrendered weapons in a formal ceremony
When
Thursday (June 19, 2026)
Where
Valle del Guamuez, Putumayo department, Colombia
- Surrendered weapons in a formal ceremony
- Entered temporary settlement zone for civilian reintegration
- Government suspended offensive military operations
- President established monitoring mechanism
- FARC dissidents (National Coordinating Committee of the Bolivarian Army)
About 100 members of a FARC dissident faction surrendered their weapons on Thursday in a formal ceremony in the municipality of Valle del Guamuez, Putumayo department, as part of President Gustavo Petro's 'total peace' initiative. The dissidents, dressed in military-style camouflage, laid down their weapons in a symbolic gesture of commitment to dialogue. They will now enter a temporary settlement zone where the government plans to integrate them into civilian life, with restrictions on their freedom and oversight from authorities.
Geovany Andrés Rojas, the faction's leader, made remarks from jail, where he was detained following his capture during peace talks on drug trafficking charges. Rojas stated that his capture weakened but did not end the dialogue process. The temporary relocation zone covers six hectares, and its operation will be monitored by the Organization of American States' Mission to Support the Peace Process.
The dissident group, known as the National Coordinating Committee of the Bolivarian Army, emerged from factions that did not accept the historic 2016 peace agreement between the state and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). Colombia currently has approximately 27,000 illegally armed group members across eight structures, according to a 2025 report by the Ideas for Peace Foundation.
Last week, President Petro established a monitoring mechanism for the temporary relocation zone and ordered the suspension of offensive military and special police operations to allow the dissidents to enter the designated area. The government has announced the creation of several such zones, though none had materialized until now. Another armed group, Comuneros del Sur, has also handed over and destroyed weapons and explosives as part of the peace process.
Why This Matters
This surrender demonstrates the Colombian government's ability to achieve concrete results in its 'total peace' policy, even after a key leader's arrest. The disarmament of a dissident FARC faction reduces armed violence in the strategic border region of Putumayo, a key coca-producing area. It also establishes a working model for temporary settlement zones that could be replicated for other armed groups, potentially bringing lasting stability to conflict-affected communities.
Timeline & Sources
Jan 1, 2016
WireHistoric peace agreement signed between Colombian state and original FARC organization
Sep 26, 2016
WireColombian government and FARC sign historic peace agreement
Jan 1, 2025
WireGeovany Andrés Rojas captured on Interpol notice for US drug trafficking charges during peace talks
Jun 12, 2026
WirePresident Petro establishes monitoring mechanism and suspends offensive military operations
Jun 19, 2026
WireAbout 100 dissidents surrender weapons in formal ceremony in Putumayo
Entities
- FARC (Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia)
- Colombia
- Valle del Guamuez
- Comandos de la Frontera
- Coordinadora Nacional Ejército Bolivariano
- Ideas for Peace Foundation
- Gustavo Petro
- Bogotá, Colombia
- FARC dissidents (National Coordinating Committee of the Bolivarian Army)
- Valle del Guamuez, Putumayo, Colombia
- Ecuador
- Comuneros del Sur
- Geovany Andrés Rojas
- Organization of American States
- Putumayo
- Organization of American States (OAS)
- Geovany Andrés Rojas (alias 'Araña')