As De la Espriella takes office, his US-backed security policy for Colombia is raising questions

Colombia's newly-elected President Abelardo de la Espriella is set to assume office on Friday, having won the election with a very narrow margin. He has pledged to take a tough stance against non-state armed groups (NSAGs) and criminal organizations, and even intends to halt the peace talks initiated by his predecessor, leftist President Gustavo Petro.

De la Espriella plans to implement a "Plan Patriota remixed," a reference to the aggressive military operations of former President Alvaro Uribe in 2003, which reportedly led to the eventual negotiation of the FARC's peace deal. However, critics argue that such a plan would likely involve human rights violations similar to those committed during Uribe's campaign, such as the use of paramilitary forces and forced disappearances.

Despite the President's powers being broadly unilateral, he faces limitations given the historical and logistical constraints of Colombia's military. Conflicts with various NSAGs, including the FARC, ELN, and their splinter groups, have been ongoing for the past two years, and it is unclear if additional deployments could be made without further straining the already limited security forces.

While the US is encouraging increased military spending and strict anti-crime measures, de la Espriella's ability to achieve his ambitious goals is questionable, given his minority coalition in the legislature and the changing nature of contemporary armed groups.