Dutch Woman who Joined FARC to Participate in Peace Talks

The World

This week in Cuba, peace talks will begin in earnest between the government of Colombia and the leftist rebel group, the FARC.

Among the FARC leaders in attendance, one sticks out.

Her name is Tanja Nijmeijer.

She’s not from Colombia or even South America – she’s Dutch.

And her story is pretty fascinating.

It’s said that her impressive physical strength and intellect helped to propel her through the rebels’ ranks.

Freelance writer Miriam Wells in Medellin, Colombia, said Tanja Nijmeijer quickly evolved from foreign student to guerilla woman.

Invest in independent global news

The World is an independent newsroom. We’re not funded by billionaires; instead, we rely on readers and listeners like you. As a listener, you’re a crucial part of our team and our global community. Your support is vital to running our nonprofit newsroom, and we can’t do this work without you. Will you support The World with a gift today? Donations made between now and Dec. 31 will be matched 1:1. Thanks for investing in our work!