A leading FARC commander who on Tuesday handed himself over to authorities said “internal divisions” and “inequality” within the rebel group prompted his surrender.
Alias “Efren Caracho,” one of the supposed security chiefs of deceased FARC leader “Mono Jojoy” and the third in command of the FARC’s 7th Front, surrendered to authorities in the southeastern Guaviare department.
The rebel commander, who had spent approximately 22 years as an insurgent, criticized the organization and said that “every FARC Front is looking to make money.”
“Some are just looking to their future, ensure their own financial security…it is not worth to keep fighting for [something] that no longer makes sense,” the rebel was quoted as saying by newspaper El Tiempo.
Caracho said FARC rebels who protected important FARC leaders lived a better life than the average guerrilla.
“The food, for example. The rebel units that accompany the big bosses have everything done for them…they eat meat and chicken, while the base lacks everything.”
The former guerrilla said many FARC Fronts operated with practically complete autonomy.
“[They are] looking to preserve their strength and nothing more. Each unit does what it wants to do.”
According to reports, Caracho was allegedly behind several crimes including extorting businessmen and farmers in the Guaviare department.
Sources
- Las razones del hombre cercano al ‘Mono Jojoy’ para entregarse (El Tiempo)
- Se entregó alias “Efrén Caracho”, jefe de seguridad de “Jojoy” y “el Médico” (El Colombiano)
