Colombia’s President De La Espriella Outlines the Key Elements of His Government’s Security Policy

Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella outlined the key elements of his government's security policy in recent hours. The earthquake on August 10 and the fires over the past week had dominated his attention, but now he shifted focus to security matters. He declared that security is the "fundamental axis" of his government and a "most forceful" state policy.

De la Espriella emphasized his commitment to restoring peace and insisted that soldiers and police officers receive "the strict and absolute support" of his government. He vowed never to mistreat or bring them to their knees before crime, ensuring they carry out their duties according to the Constitution and the law.

The president highlighted terrorism and drug trafficking as the first areas his administration and authorities would work on. He argued that the practice of labeling different groups of criminals must end, as they all form a connected ecosystem leading to terrorism. De la Espriella stressed that drug trafficking is the root cause of all crime and violence in Colombia. He reiterated that there will be no differential treatment towards criminals, all of whom must be treated as terrorist groups.

De la Espriella stressed the need for institutional unity, asserting that the division between the State and the Public Force benefits criminals. He called for acting as a unified, solid, monolithic body, sending a clear message that there are no divisions within the government. He emphasized the importance of psychological effects on crime and sending a strong message to citizens that the government is committed to their protection and enforcing the law.

Another crucial aspect of the security policy involves coordination among prosecutors, judges, and the Public Force. De la Espriella recalled his recent meeting with the Attorney General of the Nation, Luz Adriana Camargo, and announced the creation of an elite corps of prosecutors for each city. He drew an analogy with the COVID-19 pandemic, comparing the need to create a "destructive security vaccine" of prosecutors, judges, and elite corps from the different branches of the Public Force.

De la Espriella warned against relying on outdated strategies to combat the "pandemic of insecurity." He proposed establishing an itinerant team of judges to combat crime with the determination required for the task. Additionally, he reiterated his proposal for forming a National Search Block Against Extortion, a combined team of various forces to take down the main extortion bosses in Colombia.