Colombia's largest criminal group, the Gaitanista Self Defense Forces of Colombia, also known as the Gulf Clan, has accepted President Gustavo Petro's offer to engage in peace negotiations. This development comes amidst President Petro's efforts to broker peace deals with the nation's remaining rebel groups. The Gulf Clan, founded by former members of right-wing paramilitary groups, has been described as an apolitical group that exerts control over communities through justice administration, taxation of local businesses, and recruitment of youth.
With an estimated 9,000 fighters and an annual revenue exceeding $4 billion from illicit activities, the Gulf Clan stands as Colombia's wealthiest armed group. The International Crisis Group's report highlights the group's significant influence and the challenges it poses to ongoing negotiation processes with other armed groups in the country.
