CPTnet
June 1, 2004

COLOMBIA: CPT delegation meets with former FARC guerilla

by Connelly Stokes-Prindle

Members of the recent CPT delegation to Colombia had the opportunity to meet
with a former leader of FARC, Colombia's largest armed guerilla group, on
May 20th, 2004

    Roger* joined FARC in the 1980s, and during his years as a member he
rose through the ranks, eventually commanding hundreds of soldiers. In
fact, Roger became so valuable to the leaders of FARC that they ordered him
to kill members of his immediate family to test his loyalty and so they
would not distract him from his work.

    Faced with this demand, Roger decided to take advantage of the Colombian
government's policy towards guerillas two years ago: he turned himself in to
the government, in exchange for amnesty and protection. In a courageous act
of peace and goodwill, he handed over his weapons, and put his life and
those of his family in the hands of the government. Two years later, Roger
and his family live in poverty, fear and disillusionment. The government is
withholding aid and protection until Roger reveals to them further
information that it believes him to have.

    Roger must now face many dilemmas. He has some knowledge that, if
revealed, could save some lives, but there is a strong possibility that many
other people would die in the process. In addition to fearing that giving
this information to the government could lead to the possible loss of life,
Roger feels deeply betrayed by the government. He does not feel he can trust
them either with this information, or to protect him and his family from
repercussions from FARC. Already he knows that his former friends have
received orders to kill him.

    Roger must choose carefully with whom, if anyone, he shares this
information. He must consider the significant political ramifications. He
must consider the safety of his family living with him, as well as his
continued ability to provide for them. Also weighing heavily upon him is the
safety of family members still with FARC.

    Our emotional meeting ended as we invited the rest of Roger's family to
join us for prayer. We were somewhat shaken by Roger's violent history and
by the danger of his current position, but we are deeply grateful for his
courage in talking with us, and for the deeper insight he has given us into
the complexities of Colombia