Colombian Guerrilla Groups Using TikTok to Recruit Young People
Fighters belonging to breakaway groups associated with Colombia’s largest rebel movement are turning to TikTok to entice young people to join them, according to a recent investigation by the BBC. Despite some factions of the rebel movement not agreeing to a peace deal with the Colombian government, they are actively recruiting new members through social media platforms.
The BBC found that guerrilla “recruitment” videos have been proliferating on TikTok, with dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc) using the platform to attract new recruits. Lorena, a teacher in a rural region in south-western Colombia, shared her concerns about the growing trend of pro-guerrilla behavior among her students, who are drawn to the flashy lifestyle portrayed in these videos.
While the Farc officially demobilized and signed a peace agreement with the government in 2016, some dissident factions have continued to operate, with the Estado Mayor Central (EMC) estimated to have over 3,000 members. These factions are reportedly financing themselves through illegal activities like drug trafficking and recruiting younger individuals to swell their ranks.
The infiltration of social media has made it more challenging to combat the recruitment efforts of these guerrilla groups, with TikTok becoming a popular platform for them to reach a younger demographic. Videos posted by EMC fighters often glamorize guerrilla life, showcasing a lifestyle of wealth and power while downplaying the dangers of being part of an armed group.
Colombian authorities, including the Ombudsman’s Office, are working to address the issue of guerrilla recruitment through social media, but it remains a complex challenge. Lorena and other teachers have taken matters into their own hands by monitoring students’ social media accounts and providing support to those at risk of being recruited.
As the battle against guerrilla recruitment on TikTok continues, Lorena remains determined to save her students from the perils of joining armed groups. By creating a network of support within the school community, she hopes to steer young people away from the dangerous path of guerrilla life and towards a brighter future.
