The leader of Colombia's former main FARC rebel group, Rodrigo Londono -- also known as Timochenko -- was in "stable" condition in hospital after suffering a heart attack on Thursday, a doctor at the facility told AFP.

"The diagnosis for the patient was a heart attack. His condition is stable and he is fully conscious," said doctor Andrey Rojas of the medical center in the town of Fusagasuga near the capital Bogota.

Londono is a candidate to be president of Colombia in an election due on May 27, though the 59-year-old is polling with just one percent voter support.

Since a historic peace deal struck with the government of outgoing President Juan Manuel Santos in late 2016, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) has given up its half-century armed struggle and transformed itself into a political party.

The group, now called the Common Alternative Revolutionary Force, is aiming to secure legislative seats given to it under the peace accord in elections for Colombia's bicameral congress in May.

But last month, Londono and his party suspended their campaigns, saying there were insufficient security safeguards for FARC candidates.

Security personnel have had to protect Londono from people trying to assault him at campaign events or upon exiting media interviews -- a sign of the passions left over from the long and brutal conflict.

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FARC ex-rebel leader sounds 'SOS' on Colombia peace deal
Bogota (AFP) Feb 28, 2018
The ex-rebel leader running for president of Colombia for the former leftist guerrillas of the FARC said Wednesday their peace deal with the government is in serious danger. Rodrigo "Timochenko" Londono, the leader of the political party launched by the former Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), said he feels "betrayed" by the government, which he accused of blocking him from campaigning freely for the May presidential election. "It might sound harsh, but I want to sincerely launch an ... read more