Disarmed, Demobilized, and at Risk? Security Challenges in the Collective Reintegration Process of Former FARC-EP Combatants in Colombia 

Research has shown that following Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR) processes, ex-combatants are often perceived as security threats due to the potential for remobilization. However, they may also become targets of violence after demobilization, a challenge that is often overlooked despite its impact on reintegration efforts. The 2016 Peace Agreement between the Colombian government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC-EP) marked a pivotal milestone, initiating the reintegration of over 10,000 former combatants. Unlike traditional reintegration, the term "reincorporation" was chosen by FARC-EP to emphasize its collective nature. Over the past eight years, however, more than 350 ex-combatants have been assassinated, posing serious risks to reintegration efforts and democratic stability. Drawing on extensive fieldwork from 2022 to 2024, this study uses focus group discussions and in-depth interviews with ex-combatants to provide a detailed analysis of the security challenges faced in collective reincorporation areas. The paper argues that the growing presence and disputes among armed groups, combined with direct threats to personal safety, undermine the collective reincorporation project. These challenges hinder the inclusion of ex-combatants as democratic actors, erode trust in the peace agreement and the state’s capacity to protect its citizens, and weaken the legitimacy of democratic institutions. This research contributes to discussions on the sustainability of ex-combatant reintegration strategies in post-conflict contexts and their implications for democracy consolidation.