Key facts
- The U.S. pledged $1 billion in assistance to Colombia.
- Abelardo de la Espriella was sworn in as Colombia's president.
- De la Espriella's inauguration took place in Cali, signaling a hard-line stance on armed groups.
- De la Espriella aims to break with previous policies of negotiating with armed groups.
- De la Espriella is backed by U.S. President Donald Trump.
The United States has pledged $1 billion in assistance to Colombia following the inauguration of its new president, Abelardo de la Espriella. De la Espriella, a conservative who ran as an outsider and was backed by U.S. President Donald Trump, was sworn into office in Cali, a move signaling his hard-line approach to the region's illegal armed groups.
De la Espriella, 48, succeeds Gustavo Petro after winning a close runoff election. His inauguration ceremony was held at a university auditorium, attended by international dignitaries including King Felipe VI of Spain, acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche, FIFA President Gianni Infantino, and several Latin American presidents. De la Espriella plans to address troops and warn illegal armed groups to surrender or face being declared "military targets."
Breaking with Petro's policy of negotiating with armed groups, de la Espriella has pledged to tackle violence by taking a tougher stance. He has stated his government will unite Colombia with the "Shield of the Americas," a regional coalition to fight drug trafficking, and will resume diplomatic relations with Israel while severing ties with Cuba and Nicaragua.
Outgoing President Petro, who did not attend the ceremony and had initially alleged fraud, stated he would respect the popular will but vowed to be a "relentless" opponent. Political analysts suggest Petro will seek to strengthen his leadership and has urged social movements to organize. Demonstrations took place in Cali, Bogota, and Barranquilla following the inauguration, with some protesters expressing resistance to de la Espriella's presidency.