Colombia’s Rising Violence Threatens Security Ahead of Presidential Election

Colombia is facing a surge of violence just days before its presidential election, as rebel groups launch a series of deadly attacks in the country’s southwestern region. The escalation has raised alarm over security ahead of the May vote, with authorities attributing the violence to dissident factions of the former Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC).

The most devastating incident occurred on April 26, 2026, when a roadside bomb exploded on the Pan-American Highway near Cajibio, a town in the Cauca department. The blast killed at least 21 people, according to Colombia’s defense ministry, making it one of the deadliest single attacks in recent years. Relatives of victims gathered at the scene on Sunday to pay their respects, as soldiers secured the area amid ongoing tensions.

Rebel Groups Escalate Attacks Ahead of Election

Since April 25, rebel factions have carried out at least 26 attacks, targeting both civilians and military installations, the defense ministry reported. The violence has been concentrated in southwestern Colombia, a region long contested by armed groups due to its strategic importance for illegal mining, drug trafficking, and coca cultivation—the raw material for cocaine.

Authorities have blamed the FARC-EMC, a dissident group led by Nestor Vera, also known as Iván Mordisco. Vera was a former commander of the FARC but refused to participate in the 2016 peace accord that dismantled the guerrilla movement. The FARC-EMC has since emerged as one of the most active armed groups in the region, seeking to expand its influence through violence.

In another attack on April 27, rebels set fire to a truck carrying chickens in Jamundí, a municipality near Cali, further disrupting transportation and commerce in the area. Images from the scene showed soldiers standing guard beside the smoldering vehicle, underscoring the growing instability.

Security Concerns Dominate Election Discourse

The timing of the attacks has intensified concerns about security as Colombia prepares to elect its next president. Crime and violence have emerged as top voter concerns, with candidates under pressure to address the resurgence of armed groups in rural areas.

Sergio Guzmán, a political risk analyst based in Bogotá, suggested that the FARC-EMC may be attempting to demonstrate its military capabilities to the incoming government. “Part of what they are doing is establishing leverage for future negotiations,” Guzmán said. “They want to position themselves as a force that cannot be ignored, regardless of who wins the election.”

The violence has also reignited debates over the effectiveness of the 2016 peace deal, which was intended to end decades of conflict between the Colombian government and the FARC. While the agreement led to the demobilization of thousands of fighters, dissident factions have since regrouped, exploiting gaps in state control and continuing illicit activities.

Government Response and Regional Impact

The Colombian government has condemned the attacks, vowing to restore security in the affected regions. However, the challenges remain significant, as armed groups continue to operate in remote areas with limited state presence. The southwestern departments of Cauca and Valle del Cauca, where much of the recent violence has occurred, have long been hotspots for conflict due to their lucrative drug trade routes and mineral resources.

The international community has also taken notice of the escalating violence. The United Nations and human rights organizations have called for increased protection of civilians, particularly in rural communities caught in the crossfire between armed groups and security forces.

As the election approaches, the attacks serve as a stark reminder of the persistent threats facing Colombia. Voters will weigh not only the candidates’ promises to combat crime and insecurity but also their plans to address the root causes of the conflict, including poverty, inequality, and the lack of economic opportunities in rural areas.

For now, the death toll continues to rise, and the specter of further violence looms over the country’s democratic process. The coming days will be critical in determining whether the government can contain the unrest before voters head to the polls.