De la Espriella Warns Mayors and Governors that They Cannot Talk to Armed Groups

President Abelardo de la Espriella, during the governors’ and mayors’ summit in Mompox, Bolivar, has issued a stern warning to the leaders of Colombia that they cannot engage in dialogue or negotiations with illegal armed groups. This directive comes as part of the president's ongoing efforts to dismantle what he calls the "total peace" policy of his predecessor, Gustavo Petro.

The warning was made amid a military offensive against criminal organizations, which has seen a recent victory with the killing of alias 'Bendito Menor' in Riohacha, La Guajira.

The president emphasized that no governor or mayor may independently conduct negotiations, agreements, or clandestine contacts with terrorist structures. He specifically addressed the governor of Narino, Luis Alfonso Escobar, who has been critical of the government's strategy, including the military bombings and the shift from "total peace" to "total war." De la Espriella warned Escobar directly, stating, "I want to be very clear and I want to be especially clear with you, Mr. Governor of Narino. You have been warned."

In addition to the warning, the president announced the end of two dialogue processes with the Comuneros del Sur front and the criminal structures of Medellin and the Aburra Valley. He stressed that if decentralization is desired, it must serve a purpose and the state must exercise authority in the territory. De la Espriella reiterated his commitment to confronting terrorism, stating that those who persist in crime will face the full weight of the law.

The head of state also outlined his policy, which prioritizes recovering authority and sustaining it with security, justice, services, and a permanent state presence. He stressed that the offensive against terrorist structures will not be limited to leaders but will target the entire system, including commanders, successors, support networks, routes, logistical operators, finances, and assets. De la Espriella emphasized that the focus is on suffocating the terrorist networks by taking away their money and resources.