Key facts
- Abelardo De La Espriella was sworn in as Colombia's new president on Friday.
- The U.S. State Department plans to provide $1 billion in security assistance to President De La Espriella's administration.
- Colombia has joined the 'Shield of the Americas' alliance.
- De La Espriella pledged a crackdown on crime and an economic revival.
Abelardo De La Espriella was sworn in as Colombia's new president on Friday, pledging a crackdown on security and economic issues. The U.S. State Department announced that the Trump administration intends to provide $1 billion in security assistance to support De La Espriella's government. This renewed partnership includes welcoming Colombia into the 'Shield of the Americas,' a U.S.-created military alliance of right-wing leaders focused on combating drug trafficking. De La Espriella won the election with promises to crack down on armed groups and shrink the state. He vowed to eradicate illicit crops using aerial herbicides and stated that peace talks with armed groups had been 'completely exhausted.' The U.S. State Department said the assistance aims to support the administration in achieving shared goals. De La Espriella's election is seen as part of a rightward shift across Latin America, driven by economic weakness and rising crime. He narrowly defeated leftist Senator Ivan Cepeda, an ally of former president Gustavo Petro, who has not recognized De La Espriella's victory.