Cali (HRNW)-\u00a0Colombia\u2019s newly inaugurated President Abelardo de la Esperanza has declared an open war on crime, drug trafficking and armed groups, prompting the United States to announce a $1 billion security assistance package for the country.<\/p>\n
According to the World News Agency, the US State Department said the financial assistance is part of Washington\u2019s security cooperation with Colombia and is aimed at strengthening joint efforts against organized crime, drug-linked armed groups and illegal immigration.<\/p>\n
The new president was sworn in on Friday and announced a tough crackdown on criminal organizations in his inaugural address, saying criminals would not be allowed to feel safe anywhere in the country.<\/p>\n
Right-wing leader Abelardo de la Esperanza succeeded former left-wing President Gustavo Petro, whose administration experienced several periods of strained relations with Washington.<\/p>\n
The new Colombian president received strong support from US President Donald Trump, who backed him during the presidential campaign and expressed hope for improved relations between the two countries following his victory.<\/p>\n
During his campaign, de la Esperanza also pledged to strengthen defense and diplomatic relations with the United States and Israel.<\/p>\n
Among his first decisions as president, de la Esperanza announced that Colombia would join the Shield of the Americans, a security alliance established by President Trump.<\/p>\n
The US State Department welcomed Colombia\u2019s decision and said Washington was ready to cooperate with the new government in combating armed and criminal organizations linked to drug trafficking.<\/p>\n
The United States also said the two countries would expand cooperation on border security and efforts to curb illegal immigration. Washington described the new Colombian government\u2019s economic development plans as an opportunity to strengthen bilateral trade and economic relations.<\/p>\n
De la Esperanza chose the western city of Cali instead of the traditional capital Bogota for his inauguration, highlighting the city\u2019s longstanding challenges with armed groups and criminal activity.<\/p>\n
He said the decision was intended to send a strong message about his government\u2019s determination to adopt a tough policy against armed organizations.<\/p>\n
Speaking near a military base during his first address as president, de la Esperanza pledged to confront armed rebel groups, rebuild the country and defend democratic institutions.<\/p>\n
Referring to his nickname \u201cTiger,\u201d he said his administration would adopt a decisive and forceful approach toward crime and insecurity.<\/p>\n
Abelardo de la Esperanza is considered an outsider to Colombia\u2019s traditional political system and had never previously held public office.<\/p>\n
He lived in the United States for several years and became a US citizen in 2023. Before entering politics, he worked as a lawyer, including providing legal representation to individuals linked to drug trafficking and armed criminal organizations.<\/p>\n
His political style has been described as highly aggressive and dramatic. During the election campaign, he frequently appeared at public gatherings giving military-style salutes and wearing the Colombian national football team\u2019s shirt.<\/p>\n
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