French Foreign Legion corporal kidnapped in Colombia by FARC dissidents

On August 6, 2026, Jose Olger Melo Chari, a Colombian-born corporal serving in the French Foreign Legion, was kidnapped in the Nariño department of southwestern Colombia. The soldier, who has served in the Legion for four years, was visiting his home country while on leave when he was intercepted by armed militants. A woman traveling with him at the time was also seized but released shortly afterward.

The abduction was carried out by the General Central Staff (EMC), the largest faction of FARC dissidents who rejected the 2016 peace agreement. While the Colombian military initially reported no demands for ransom or proof of life, the EMC officially claimed responsibility for the capture on August 30, confirming that the soldier is being held in their custody and remains alive. Colombian Colonel Mauricio Osorio, head of an anti-kidnapping unit, stated that no military rescue operation is currently planned.