Key facts
- President-elect Abelardo De La Espriella appointed retired Major General Jorge Eduardo Mora as defense minister.
- Mora's mandate includes cracking down on illegal armed groups and criminals.
- He will also command police forces involved in combating drug trafficking, illegal mining, and extortion.
- De La Espriella intends to abandon peace talks and intensify military action against armed groups.
Colombian President-elect Abelardo De La Espriella has appointed retired Major General Jorge Eduardo Mora to serve as his defense minister. Mora's responsibilities will include leading a promised crackdown on illegal armed groups and criminals, as well as commanding police forces engaged in combating drug trafficking, illegal mining, and extortion.
De La Espriella's administration plans to diverge from the outgoing government's approach by ending peace talks with armed groups and instead mounting a more aggressive military offensive. This appointment signals a shift in security policy for the incoming administration.