Overview
- De la Espriella was sworn in on Friday in Cali at a ceremony protected by roughly 11,000 troops and anti-drone measures after officials warned of likely terrorist threats.
- In his first speeches he declared the option of dialogue with armed groups exhausted and ordered a tough program of airstrikes, coca eradication, mega-prisons and a 30-day surrender deadline for fighters.
- A high-level U.S. delegation led by acting Attorney General Todd Blanche attended the inauguration and U.S. officials announced plans for about $1 billion in security assistance to support the new government.
- Outgoing president Gustavo Petro refused to accept the election result, promoted protests and alleged fraud that international observers and Colombia’s electoral authorities rejected, and demonstrations took place in Cali, Bogotá and other cities.
- Analysts warn the new strategy faces fiscal limits and a divided Congress and could increase civilian harm given past human rights concerns tied to Plan Colombia-style military campaigns.