Colombia's Post-Conflict Security: Progress & Challenges

OMEN, Intelligence Targeting, Geopolitical Threats, Law Enforcement

Colombia’s Post-Conflict Security: Progress and Challenges in Stabilization

Colombia’s post-conflict security is under pressure from rising violence and regional instability. Can military and diplomatic efforts sustain peace?

For decades, Colombia was synonymous with insurgency and conflict. Armed groups like the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) and the National Liberation Army (ELN) waged war against the government, plunging the country into a cycle of violence that affected millions. The 2016 peace accord with FARC marked a monumental step forward, disarming thousands of combatants and laying the foundation for a more peaceful future. However, Colombia’s post-conflict security remains fragile, with persistent violence, criminal groups, and geopolitical instability continuing to shape the country’s path forward. The years since the accord have shown that achieving peace is one thing; sustaining it is another.

Despite the historic accord, challenges remain. Some former FARC members rejected the agreement and splintered into dissident groups, returning to the lucrative criminal activities that sustained the insurgency for decades. Recently, the ELN has intensified its operations, particularly in the Catatumbo region near the Venezuelan border. In early 2025, clashes between the ELN and FARC dissidents resulted in over 80 fatalities and displaced thousands, marking one of the most severe humanitarian crises in Colombia in decades. These groups are deeply entrenched in Colombia’s rural areas and border regions, relying on drug trafficking, illegal mining, and extortion to fund their operations. Their activities not only destabilize Colombia but also spill across borders, complicating efforts to address Colombia’s post-conflict security challenges.

At the heart of Colombia’s response to these challenges is a multi-faceted approach that combines military operations with social and economic development. Colombian security forces, which have grown into one of the most capable militaries in the region, play a key role in dismantling armed groups and disrupting criminal networks. Over the years, they’ve refined their counterinsurgency strategies, focusing on intelligence-driven operations that target the leadership of these groups and their financial networks.

Border security has also become a critical priority. The crisis in neighboring Venezuela has exacerbated instability, with millions of refugees fleeing the economic and political collapse of their homeland. Many of these refugees cross into Colombia, where lawlessness in the border regions provides cover for armed groups to operate. Smuggling, human trafficking, and the illegal arms trade flourish in these areas, making border control efforts essential to maintaining security. The recent surge in violence in the Catatumbo region underscores the volatility of these border areas. In response, Colombian President Gustavo Petro has engaged with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro to implement a joint action plan aimed at preventing armed groups from crossing the border. This highlights the importance of diplomatic coordination in sustaining Colombia’s post-conflict security.

Army deployments in support of Colombia's post-conflict security. — Figure 1: Minister of Defense Colombia photograph of Colombian Army operations.

While military operations are a key component of Colombia’s strategy, the government recognizes that long-term peace cannot be achieved through force alone. Addressing the root causes of conflict—poverty, inequality, and lack of access to basic services—is just as important. In rural areas that were once strongholds for insurgent groups, efforts are underway to improve infrastructure, provide education and healthcare, and offer economic opportunities to marginalized communities. These initiatives aim to build trust between citizens and the government, weakening the influence of armed groups that thrive on discontent.

Humanitarian efforts also play a role in Colombia’s path to peace. In regions impacted by conflict, programs focused on disaster relief, health services, and infrastructure development have brought tangible benefits to vulnerable populations. These efforts help repair the social fabric torn apart by decades of violence, ensuring that communities have the resources they need to rebuild.

Colombia’s progress in recent years is a testament to its resilience. Once a symbol of instability, the country is now a regional leader in security and counterinsurgency. It has even begun to export its expertise, training other nations in the fight against transnational threats. However, the road ahead is still fraught with challenges. Dissident groups remain active, and the ELN continues to pose a significant threat in certain regions. The ripple effects of Venezuela’s crisis add another layer of complexity, straining resources and exacerbating security concerns.

Despite these obstacles, Colombia’s journey offers hope. The country’s efforts to combine military strength with social investment and international cooperation serve as a model for others grappling with similar challenges. Peace is not achieved overnight, and setbacks are inevitable, but the progress made so far shows that lasting stability is within reach.

As Colombia continues its journey, it does so with a clear understanding that peace is more than the absence of conflict. It is the presence of opportunity, justice, and hope for all citizens. By remaining steadfast in its commitment to these principles, Colombia is not just recovering from its past—it is building a future defined by resilience and possibility.