‘Iván Mordisco,’ leader of FARC dissidents, has accused President Gustavo Petro of betrayal, alleging that their group supported him during his presidential campaign. This comes amidst escalating tensions following the breakdown of a ceasefire agreement between the government and the dissident faction.
The feud ignited after President Petro condemned the dissidents for their alleged involvement in the assassination of indigenous leader Carmelina Yule Paví in Toribío, Cauca. Petro’s scathing remarks, labeling the dissident leader as a “drug dealer disguised as a revolutionary,” elicited a swift response from ‘Iván Mordisco.’
Taking to social media platform X, ‘Iván Mordisco’ hit back at Petro, denying the accusations of drug trafficking and asserting their past support for the president’s progressive and peace-oriented agenda. The dissident leader criticized Petro’s shift towards militarization and capitalist policies, accusing him of abandoning his former ideals.
Petro, speaking from Tierralta, Córdoba, reiterated his condemnation of the dissidents’ violent actions, emphasizing the need for truth and accountability. He drew parallels between the dissidents’ choices and historical figures like Pablo Escobar and Camilo Torres, urging them to reconsider their path.
The escalation in rhetoric follows a surge in violence in Cauca, where dissidents targeted indigenous communities, culminating in the tragic death of Carmelina Yule. In response, the government revoked the ceasefire in Cauca, Valle del Cauca, and Nariño, signaling a renewed military confrontation with the dissident group.
As both sides trade accusations and tensions escalate, the specter of renewed conflict looms large, prompting concerns about the future of peace efforts in Colombia. The government’s decision to quarter troops underscores the gravity of the situation, as efforts intensify to prevent further bloodshed and protect civilian populations caught in the crossfire