Colombia on Fire: Armed Groups Recruit Thousands and Expand Control!
Colombia, a country long plagued by violence, seems to be on the brink of chaos once again. According to a Reuters report, armed groups in Colombia have recruited a staggering 21,000 people over the past three years! Yes, you read that right – twenty-one thousand armed fighters and auxiliary forces now controlling increasingly large territories across the country.
What’s Going On?
Despite efforts by President Gustavo Petro’s government to establish a ceasefire and reduce violence, the situation is only getting worse. The number of armed individuals has surged by 45% since mid-2022, continuing a trend that began under former President Iván Duque, when the number of gang members was estimated at around 12,000.
How Did This Happen?
During Iván Duque’s four-year term, the number of armed groups increased by 17%. Now, under new leadership, that number has exploded! Instead of decreasing, violence and recruitment are on the rise. The government appears either powerless or unwilling to stop this bloody tide.
Who Are These People?
Recruits are mostly young men from poor and marginalized communities, used by armed groups as cheap labor for their dirty work. These groups not only expand their territorial control but also destabilize the entire country, threatening the safety of millions.
Why Does This Matter?
Colombia has been embroiled in armed conflict for decades, but this level of growth in recruitment and territorial control is alarming. It means violence, crime, and insecurity will become an even bigger problem, not just for Colombia but for the entire region.
Has the Government Even Tried?
President Gustavo Petro took office promising peace and reduced violence. However, data shows the number of armed individuals has increased by nearly half since his arrival. Is this due to poor policy, corruption, or simply an inability to tackle powerful criminal groups? Time will tell.
What’s Next?
If this trend continues, Colombia could become yet another conflict zone, with thousands of armed people controlling parts of the country. This is not just Colombia’s problem – it’s a problem for Latin America and the international community.
Conclusion
As the world watches, Colombia sinks deeper into chaos. Armed groups recruit thousands, expand control, and ignore peace efforts. Will anyone stop this madness? Or will we soon witness another country torn apart by violence and insecurity?
Got thoughts on this mess? Or maybe a wild idea on how to fix it? Drop a comment below. Who knows, your take might just spark the change we all need!
