‘War is not an option,’ says former FARC guerrilla leader
By France 24
26 May 2018 |
1:30 pm
As presidential elections in Colombia approach, FRANCE 24 sits down with former FARC Guerrilla leader Rodrigo Londono, better known as Timoleon "Timochenko" Jimenez, in an exclusive interview. He talks about his group’s transformation into a political party and the challenges of changing public perceptions. “The fact that we can spread our message under present circumstances cannot be quantified,” he says.
In this article
Related
23 May 2021
People march in Colombia's capital Bogota, amid a wave of daily protests that have been taking place since April 28. The anti-government demonstrations are fuelled by ongoing violence and economic hardship - which have been worsened by the coronavirus pandemic.
28 May 2021
The Palace of Justice in Tulua was set on fire amid protests and the fifth day of a general strike. Protests began over poverty and police abuse but have expanded to include issues of basic rights and social justice.
28 May 2021
Artists of all kinds, from musicians to actors and dancers, speak out and perform during a new protest against the government of Colombian President Ivan Duque in the city of Medellin. Musicians play in street side orchestras, and actors perform live theatre, as they express their dissatisfaction with the government. Demonstrations have continued in the face of a violent, deadly police crackdown that has drawn international condemnation in the country.
1 Jun 2021
Four people have died in and around Cali as nationwide protests move into a second month. Colombian President Ivan Duque has called upon more than 7,000 personnel to deal with the unrest in the region.
31 May 2021
31 May 2021
Three people have died during anti-government protests in the Colombian city of Cali, authorities said, as the country marks a full month of social unrest that has claimed dozens of lives.
31 May 2021
Several weeks ago, thousands of people began protesting against a tax hike. This spawned a veritable mass movement calling for a whole host of reforms. What are the demands?
1 Jun 2021
Police fire tear gas at protesters in Facatativa, a municipality near Bogotá, as Colombia enters its second month of demonstrations.
11 Jun 2021
Protesters and police clash in Colombia’s capital Bogota during a demonstration against President Ivan Duque.
11 Jul 2021
Anti-government protesters and police clash in the Colombian cities of Medellin and Popayan during demonstrations that mark two months of a grassroots movement in which more than 60 people have died across the country.
31 Jul 2021
Colombian immigration authorities expelled a German activist who documented anti-government protests. She said she was the victim of an attack last week, which Colombian police dispute.
30 Jul 2021
The illegal activity has caused major environmental damage in Colombia, one of the world's most biodiverse countries. Officials say the spike in mining is also deeply concerning "because it has ties to organized crime."
Latest
3 hours ago
Find these stories and much more when you grab a copy of The Guardian on Thursday.
6 hours ago
Clashes between the Congolese armed forces and the M23 militia group have sent thousands of people over the border to Rwanda seeking shelter. Meanwhile, the UK and Rwanda are to settle 50 undocumented migrants who arrived on British shores in the Rwandan capital Kigali; we take a closer look. And Zimbabwe wants to sidestep international conventions to sell its $600 million stockpile in black market ivory – not without controversy.
6 hours ago
The Russia House in Davos has always sold the Russia story to global investors, but now it's having to tell a rather bitter truth. In the absence of Russians, Ukraine is making sure Moscow's excesses are not forgotten.
7 hours ago
A wave of protests swept across Iran as people went online to express their opposition to the death penalty given to three young Iranians for taking part in demonstrations last year.
7 hours ago
The world is facing its worst food crisis in history. Millions of tonnes of wheat are stuck in Ukraine, worsening an already precarious situation for many countries that depend on exports from the region. IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva tells FRANCE 24 Business Editor Kate Moody that only "very strong international mobilisation" will save the lives of millions of people. Also in our update from Davos: EU member states move towards an embargo on Russian oil, but with no consensus on the timeline.
8 hours ago
Over two thirds of young Colombians say their lives have got worse over the past year, which saw a fierce crackdown on anti-government protests in a country still recovering from five decades of conflict. Six years after the peace deal with the FARC rebels, many young people are backing the former mayor of Bogota, Gustavo Petro, in the May 29 presidential election. If he wins, Petro would become Colombia's first-ever leftist leader. In this special edition of Inside the Americas, we meet several young Colombians who are hoping for change.