The Autodefensas Gaitanistas de Colombia (also known as the Clan del Golfo or Ejército Gaitanista de Colombia – AGC) was formed by paramilitary commanders that refused to demobilise along with the rest of the Autodefensas Unidas de Colombia (AUC), a right-wing paramilitary group, in 2005.
The AGC’s current activities include drug trafficking, illegal mining, extortion, human trafficking and the control of legal and illegal economies in the places where they exercise exclusive control, which includes control of or participation in local public budgets.
Between 2018 and 2023, the group’s membership increased by 58% – growing from 3,803 members to 6,015 members. Recent figures (April 2024) reflect that the AGC now has 9,000 members.
The government is also engaged in Peace Talks with the EMC, ELN and the Segunda Marquetalia.