The Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), widely known by its Spanish acronym FARC-EP (Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia - Ejército del Pueblo), is a Marxist-Leninist guerrilla group that originated in Colombia. The FARC can be defined as a leftist insurgent organization that emerged in 1964, initially as a self-proclaimed armed force fighting for agrarian reform and against the perceived social and economic injustices that plagued the country.
With an estimated peak membership in the thousands, the FARC has been involved in numerous armed struggles against the Colombian government, particularly throughout rural and marginalized areas. They have been known for conducting guerrilla warfare tactics, including ambushes, bombings, kidnappings, and extortion as means to finance their activities. Initially, the FARC aimed to establish a communist regime in Colombia by overthrowing the existing government; however, their objectives later shifted, encompassing a broader spectrum of political and social changes.
The FARC has been widely condemned for numerous human rights violations, including attacks on civilians, drug trafficking, and recruitment of child soldiers. Over the years, the Colombian government, with international support, has engaged in various military offensives and peace negotiations with the FARC, leading to significant reductions in their operational capacity.
Following a peace agreement in 2016, the FARC transformed into a political party, shedding its armed insurgency identity and engaging in the democratic process. Despite its transformation, the legacy of the FARC remains controversial, generating ongoing discussions on reconciliation and justice in Colombian society.
