Defence & Security
Colombia's president signs decree to dissolve armed groups by end of 2026
What happened
Colombia's president signed a decree on August 10, 2026, mandating the dissolution of all armed groups by the end of the year. The move aims to dismantle remaining guerrilla and paramilitary factions, including the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC).
Key facts
The decree was signed by President Gustavo Petro on August 10, 2026, marking a new phase in Colombia's peace process.
The order applies to all armed groups operating outside state control, including ELN and FARC dissidents.
The government has set a deadline of December 31, 2026, for the dissolution of these groups.
The decree follows a surge in violence in rural regions, where armed groups continue to control illicit economies.
The move aligns with Petro's ** Total Peace policy, which seeks to end Colombia's decades-long armed conflict through dialogue and disarmament.
Context
Colombia has been engaged in peace negotiations with armed groups for decades, including the ELN and FARC, the latter of which demobilized in 2016 under a historic peace accord. The 2016 peace agreement with FARC led to the group's transition into a political party, but dissident factions continued armed activities. The ELN, the country's largest remaining guerrilla group, has been in intermittent peace talks with the government since 2018. Previous attempts to disarm armed groups have faced challenges due to factional splits and ongoing violence in rural areas.