The 

Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia—People’s Army (FARC-EP) was a major Marxist-Leninist guerrilla organization formed in 1964, aiming to overthrow the Colombian government and establish a socialist state. Following a 2016 peace accord, most members demobilized, but dissident factions continue operating. DNI.gov +4

Key Aspects of the FARC-EP:

• Ideology and Goals: The group initially focused on rural, peasant-based land struggles and later adopted a national, anti-imperialist, and Marxist-Leninist ideology to represent marginalized rural populations.
• Organization and Leadership: Known for a structured, bloc-based military organization, the group operated in rural zones. Key, historical leaders included Rodrigo Londoño Echeverri (“Timochenko”).
• Conflict and Tactics: FARC-EP was involved in a long-running armed conflict with Colombian security forces, utilizing tactics such as guerrilla warfare, kidnappings, bombings, and attacks on infrastructure.
• Finances: The organization heavily funded its operations through involvement in the illegal drug trade, kidnapping, and extortion.
• 2016 Peace Accord: A historic peace deal was signed in 2016, leading to the disarmament of the majority of its ~13,000 members and the transformation of the group into a legal political party.
• Dissidents and Continued Activity: Following the 2016 peace agreement, some former members rejected the deal, creating dissident factions (often called FARC-EP or Segunda Marquetalia) that continue to engage in violence, particularly in southern/northeastern Colombia and along the Venezuelan border. DNI.gov +10

As of 2021, these dissident groups, which are considered FTOs (Foreign Terrorist Organizations) by the U.S. State Department, operate with an estimated 4,500–5,000 members involved in drug trafficking and extortion. DNI.gov +1

The 

FARC-EP (Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia – Ejército del Pueblo), or the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia – People’s Army, was a Marxist–Leninist guerrilla organization that operated in Colombia from 1964 until its official demobilization in 2017. Wikipedia +1

1. Origins and Ideology

• Foundation: Formed in 1964 from peasant self-defense groups during La Violencia, a period of intense civil conflict in Colombia.
• Political Stance: It operated as a peasant army with an agrarian, anti-imperialist, and Marxist–Leninist ideology, claiming to represent the rural poor against the wealthy elite and foreign influence.
• “EP” Addition: The initials “EP” (People’s Army) were added in 1982 during the Seventh Guerrilla Conference to reflect its shift from a small rural group to a more structured irregular army. Wikipedia +2

2. 2016 Peace Accord and Political Transition 

• The Agreement: After four years of negotiations in Havana, the FARC-EP signed a historic peace deal with the government of President Juan Manuel Santos in 2016.
• Demobilization: In 2017, the group ceased to be an armed organization, handing over more than 8,000 weapons to the United Nations.
• Political Party: The group transformed into a legal political party, now known as Comunes (formerly FARC), which holds guaranteed seats in the Colombian Congress as part of the peace terms. Wikipedia +4

3. Current Status: Dissidents and Splinter Groups

While the main body of the FARC-EP demobilized, several splinter groups—referred to as FARC dissidents (FARC-D)—refused the peace terms or later returned to arms. Wikipedia +2

• State of Conflict: Major dissident factions like the Estado Mayor Central (EMC) and Segunda Marquetalia continue to operate, primarily funded by drug trafficking and illegal mining.
• Recent Activity: As of 2024–2026, these groups remain active in southern and northeastern Colombia, frequently clashing with government forces and rival armed groups.
• Terrorist Designations: The U.S. State Department designated “FARC-EP” (specifically referring to the dissident factions) as a Foreign Terrorist Organization in late 2021, distinguishing them from the demobilized members participating in the peace process.