Transformation of an insurgent group into a political party: Case study of RPF and FARC

Abstract Based on Terrence Lyon’s concepts, the article identifies crucial steps and key points in the evolution of a rebel group that leads to its successful transformation into a political party. The processes leading to such transformation are described and compared on two cases—Rwandan RPF and Colombian FARC. While the groups had a lot of in common in the means of achieving their goals (combination of political and military means), it was found that it is the difference in their internal structures that caused the achievement of RPF’s transformation and FARC’s failure. These differences are related to the movements’ unity, local support and the perception of movement’s victory.