# Ex-FARC Leader Issues Violence Warning Amid Rising Colombia Political Tensions

*A former FARC commander has warned that 'messages of hate' could lead to renewed violence in Colombia following threats from the president-elect.*

July 15, 2026 · World

A top ex-FARC commander has cautioned that inflammatory rhetoric from Colombia's president-elect could fuel renewed violence in the country. Rodrigo Londono, also known as Timochenko, told AFP that 'messages of hate' are extremely dangerous and put everyone at risk.

## Political Tensions Rise

President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella has branded Timochenko a 'war criminal' and vowed to jail him. De la Espriella, a hard-right leader, has promised to end talks with dissident groups, bomb drug-running guerrillas, and dismantle tribunals he believes allowed former FARC leaders to escape punishment.

## Commitment to Peace Deal

Despite the escalating tensions, Timochenko and other former guerrilla leaders have written to de la Espriella, recognizing his election victory and seeking talks. They remain committed to the 2016 peace deal and hope to discuss its implementation with the incoming government, which takes office on August 7.

## Sources

- BSS

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Source: https://pulsetoday.com.bd/en/world/colombia-ex-farc-leader-warns-violence-president-elect-threats