- De La Espriella was sworn in as president at the Pichincha Battalion military base in Cali on Friday.
- In his inaugural speech, he declared a new era of transformation, saying: have come to close a long chapter of national resignation and, together with the people, embark on the most profound transformation of our destiny.
- He sent a firm message to Colombians: the time has come to restore order, authority and freedom.
- The new president vowed to definitively eradicate the scourge of illicit crops using aerial herbicides that do not harm human health or the environment to destroy coca plants.
- In one of his first acts, Colombia would join the Shield program founded by Trump, according to De La Espriella.
- The US state department stated that the $1 billion assistance is part of a security package to support President de la Espriella’s administration in achieving shared goals.
The U.S. has committed $1 billion in security assistance to Colombia, coinciding with the inauguration of President Abelardo de la Espriella, who has pledged a robust crackdown on drug trafficking. In his inaugural address, he stated, “I have come to close a long chapter of national resignation” and emphasized the need for transformation.16
De la Espriella's administration aims to restore order and authority, declaring that criminal gangs must either submit to the law or face the full force of the state. He asserted, “Members of criminal gangs and narco-terrorist groups have two choices: submit to the rule of law or face the determined response of the Colombian state and its security forces”.
The U.S. State Department highlighted this partnership, stating, “As a cornerstone of this renewed partnership, the United States, working with Congress, intends to announce $1 billion in assistance” to support the new administration's goals. De la Espriella also committed to eradicating illicit crops, promising to use environmentally safe aerial herbicides to target coca plants, the primary ingredient in cocaine production.
In a significant policy shift, Colombia will join the Shield of the program initiated by Trump, marking a new chapter in U.S.-Colombian relations focused on security and drug control.5
“In his inaugural speech at the Pichincha Battalion military base in Cali, de la Espriella declared a new era of transformation, vowing to restore order, authority and freedom. He also said Colombia would join the Shield program founded by Trump and use aerial herbicides to eradicate coca crops.”
The Guardian
