Colombia’s Leadership Shifts Focus Amid U.S. Decertification in Drug War
Colombian President Gustavo Petro announced on Monday that the country’s Armed Forces will cease reliance on U.S. weaponry, following Washington’s decision to decertify Colombia in its drug-fighting efforts, reports 24brussels.
During a televised cabinet meeting, Petro proclaimed, “The Colombian Army and its Armed Forces’ dependence on U.S. weaponry is over. No more handouts or gifts. They already decertified us, that’s the decision. The Colombian Army will do better if it buys its weapons or makes them with our own resources, because otherwise it will not be an army of national sovereignty.” His remarks reflect a significant shift in military policy as tensions with the U.S. rise.
The president sharply criticized the U.S. decision, arguing that his administration had achieved record cocaine seizures and that the decertification was politically motivated. He stated, “Colombia’s right-wing sympathizers, who are actually tied to drug trafficking, influenced U.S. officials by appealing to ideology rather than measurable results.” This assertion underscores Colombia’s internal challenges in the ongoing battle against drug trafficking.
In response to Petro’s comments, his administration highlighted recent achievements in combating drug trafficking. Colombian authorities reported that in 2024, security forces seized 889 tons of cocaine, marking a historic record for the nation. Police Director General Carlos Fernando Triana emphasized that these results position Colombia among the leaders in global drug interdiction.
The U.S. certification process, which has been in effect since 1986, evaluates the counter-narcotics performance of approximately twenty drug-producing nations. This year, the Trump administration opted to decertify Colombia, claiming that Bogotá had “blatantly failed” to meet its international commitments. Despite this, Washington reiterated its intention to maintain aid to Colombia, describing the partnership as “vital to U.S. national interests.”
Petro, however, sought to diminish the implications of the decertification, insisting that it “comes without sanctions” and that its true impact should be assessed over time. The situation highlights the complex dynamics of U.S.-Colombian relations, particularly regarding drug policy.