Colombia

Authors

Travis Ning

Abstract

The events of September 11 continued of the pattern of redefinition in the conflict in Colombia. The complex war of today actually began decades ago as a small political struggle, which has gradually developed into a large-scale civil war. The continuation and growth of civil strife in Colombia witnessed the emergence of several organized anti-government guerrilla movements. Some of these groups have since been defeated or have integrated themselves into the recognized political system. Others have continued to violently challenge Colombian government authority. Currently, the two most significant anti-government insurgency groups are the Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia (FARC) and Ejercito de Liberacion Nacional (ELN). These guerrilla groups seek profound economic and political revolution that threatens the Colombian government as well as the existing social structure of the country. To address the specific concerns of the economic elite paramilitary forces have formed with the purpose of combating the guerrilla groups. The coalition of paramilitary forces is known as the Autodefensas Unidas de Colombia (AUC). The government of Colombia mobilized a large military effort to quell the insurgency, and has frequently been accused of collaborating with the AUC in the fight against the guerrillas.

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Recommended Citation

Ning, Travis (2005) "Colombia," Human Rights & Human Welfare: Vol. 5: Iss. 1, Article 45.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.du.edu/hrhw/vol5/iss1/45