politics
US Promises $1bn in Security Aid to Colombia as New Rightwing President Pledges Drugs Crackdown
Trump ally Abelardo De La Espriella vows to start ‘profound transformation’ of country’s destiny as he is sworn in
TL;DR
- The Trump administration will provide $1 billion in security assistance to Colombia.
- New rightwing President Abelardo De La Espriella pledged to fight drug trafficking and armed groups.
- Espriella aims for a "profound transformation" of Colombia, including austerity and economic revival.
- He vowed to "definitively eradicate the scourge of illicit crops" using aerial herbicides.
- Colombia will join the Shield of the Americas program founded by Trump.
- Espriella's election reflects a rightward political shift across Latin America.
- His policies may face challenges in a divided congress.
- Former President Gustavo Petro has not recognized Espriella's victory.