After more than 260,000 deaths, Sandra Ramirez and other FARC ex-rebels take up seats in Colombia Congress

Ramirez (left) was the partner of legendary rebel commander Manuel Marulanda until his death in 2008

Sandra Ramirez was one of eight ex-combatants with Colombia's once-largest rebel group (FARC) who were sworn into office Friday. Respledent in her makeup, Ramirez's transformation from rebel guerrilla to senator was complete.

The former fighters who were part of a group that fought the country's laws for over 50 years will now sit in Congress alongside lawmakers with whom for years they were bitter enemies.



For more than half a century, FARC fought the state and its institutions with arms. It got to a point when the government decided to sign a peace accord with the group in order for peace to return to the country. The rebels were guaranteed 10 seats in the legislature as part of the accord. However, this stipulation angered many Colombians.




Speaking on behalf of the ex-fighters turned lawmakers, Ramirez said :
"This is a big responsibility we'll be shouldering. It's a change from life in the mountains, from boots in the mud."