In a strong statement issued by a faction of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia – People's Army (FARC-EP), members of the Jorge Suárez Briceño and Gentil Duarte Blocks, as well as the Raúl Reyes Joint Command, have expressed their rejection of the decisions and actions of commander Iván Lozada. They accuse him of adopting "dirty war" practices that jeopardize both peace and the safety of communities in Colombia.
The guerrillas have urged Lozada to act honestly towards the Colombian people, reminding him that his past decisions have contributed to the suffering of innocent communities. In their message, they criticize episodes of violence against indigenous farmers and the execution of deserters, labeling these acts as ethnocide. "We urge Iván Lozada to be honest with the Colombian people and not to repeat the mistakes of the past that have caused so much suffering to innocent communities," the statement reads.
We urge Iván Lozada to be honest with the Colombian people and not to repeat the mistakes of the past that have caused so much suffering to innocent communities.
The pronouncement also focuses on Lozada's recent actions, such as his military incursions into territories in Caquetá and the Caguán River, where the guerrillas claim to have worked for the well-being of local communities. "Does he want us to abandon the families of our brave fighters?" they ask in the statement, warning that they will not allow their areas of influence to be undermined by decisions they consider capricious and dangerous.
Moreover, the message criticizes Lozada's relationship with drug trafficking, suggesting that his decisions have tarnished the reputation of FARC-EP and fueled distrust within the group. The signatories mention that Lozada's recent withdrawal of delegates from the Dialogue Table was motivated by interests in drug trafficking routes, highlighting his lack of commitment to the revolutionary ideals that once united the guerrilla movement
Lozada's decisions have awakened impulses of revenge among our troops, who fear for the safety of their families due to his presence in our territories.
The statement also emphasizes the internal tensions within FARC-EP, accusing Lozada of factionalism and authoritarianism. The guerrillas warn that his threats and slanders are generating growing discontent among their ranks. "Lozada's actions have awakened impulses of revenge among our troops, who fear for the safety of their families due to his presence in our territories," they assert.
In response to the criticisms, Lozada has defended his leadership, arguing that his approach is necessary to ensure the survival and relevance of the organization in the face of increasing military and media pressure. However, the statement highlights the need for Lozada to reflect on the impact of his decisions on the communities he claims to protect, suggesting that it is crucial to avoid repeating the massacres of the past.
Finally, the message concludes with a call for transparency and honesty from Lozada towards his troops and the population, reminding that the truth will always come to light. "The struggle we undertake is not just a reaction to the media and military offensive but a legitimate defense of our ideals and the communities we claim to protect," emphasize the guerrillas.
As internal tensions continue to rise, the implications for the future of the group and its relationship with the communities affected by the conflict could be significant. The situation within FARC-EP presents a microcosm of the broader challenges Colombia faces on its path to peace and reconciliation.
The struggle we undertake is not just a reaction to the media and military offensive but a legitimate defense of our ideals and the communities we claim to protect.