Colombia's armed groups sow seeds of new conflict as war with Farc ends

[Judi Lynn]

Last year’s deal with the guerrilla group left a power vacuum, putting authorities and residents on edge amid new violence: ‘Everyone’s nervous’


Sibylla Brodzinsky in Argelia
Tuesday 18 April 2017 05.00 EDT

The guerrillas of the Farc occupied the territory around Argelia long enough to gain the support of some residents, and the loathing of others.

So when local people watched a contingent of 140 rebels file through the town on their way to demobilization camps as part of a peace deal, it was with a sense of ambivalence: some bade farewell – others good riddance.


Last march of the Farc: Colombia's hardened fighters reach for a normal life


But since the rebels abandoned the area in late January, supporters and critics have shared the same fears.

Townspeople, police and the military are on high alert as other criminal groups attempt to fill the power vacuum. Robberies, murders and petty crime are soaring and unidentified citizens appear to be trying to establish private vigilante groups.

More:
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/apr/18/colombia-farc-rebels-armed-groups