US pledges $1bn to Colombia as new president vows 'all-out war' on crime
The United States has pledged $1 billion in assistance to Colombia as Abelardo de la Espriella was sworn in as the country's new president, marking a significant shift to the right after years of left-wing leadership.
The US State Department described the financial support as part of a "security package" aimed at advancing shared goals, including combating organised crime and curbing illegal immigration. The statement hailed a "new era" in US-Colombia relations.
President Espriella, who was endorsed by former US President Donald Trump during the election, used his maiden speech to promise an "all-out war" against what he termed "narco-terrorism." He took the oath of office not in the capital, Bogotá, but in the western city of Cali, a move seen as a signal of his tough approach to illegal armed groups operating in the region.
Speaking to troops at a nearby military base, Espriella vowed to crush armed insurgents, rebuild the country, and defend democracy "by reason or by force." He referred to himself as "the Tiger" and said that in "the age of the Tiger," the state would act forcefully and decisively against crime. "There will not be a single place in our territory where criminals can feel safe," he declared.
The inauguration was attended by a US delegation led by Attorney General Todd Blanche, who has since been confirmed in the role. FIFA president Gianni Infantino was also present.
Espriella, a lawyer known for representing drug-trafficking paramilitaries, footballers, and fraudsters before entering politics, has promised a sharp departure from the policies of his predecessor, Gustavo Petro. Instead of pursuing peace talks with armed groups, he has vowed a crackdown on their activities and the construction of mega-prisons.
He also intends to build a strong military alliance with the US and Israel, a notable contrast to Petro, who was a long-time critic of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. In one of his first acts, Espriella announced that Colombia would join the "Shield of the Americas" security partnership founded by Trump.
Washington welcomed this move and said it "stands ready to support the Espriella administration's efforts to defeat the vicious narco-terrorist and criminal organisations" threatening security. The State Department added that shared goals included closer coordination on border security to halt illegal immigration.
The US also noted that Espriella's "pro-growth agenda" presents an opportunity to increase trade and deepen economic ties between the two countries.
Critics, however, have warned that his confrontational style could deepen divisions in an already polarised nation. The sweeping changes signal a dramatic realignment of Colombia's domestic and foreign policy, with potential implications for regional stability and US influence in Latin America.
