Colombia’s Defense Minister warned the Trump administration against blacklisting Colombia over drug trafficking concerns, emphasizing that it would worsen cocaine flow to the U.S. The potential U.S. decertification could jeopardize military aid and exacerbate the situation amid rising coca cultivation under President Petro’s administration.

Colombia’s Defense Minister, Pedro Sanchez, has issued a warning to the Trump administration against the potential blacklisting of Colombia for its failure to effectively combat drug exports. He expressed that such a decision would result in increased cocaine flowing into the United States and harm diplomatic relations between the nations. Sanchez emphasized that decertification would undermine efforts to contain drug trafficking, stating that the U.S. would not benefit from it.

The U.S. is currently contemplating the decertification of Colombia as a partner in the war against drugs, a move that could jeopardize approximately half a billion dollars in military aid. Despite Colombia’s proactive diplomatic efforts to avert blacklisting, officials harbor concerns regarding its feasibility, particularly in light of an estimated 70 percent increase in coca cultivation since President Gustavo Petro’s inauguration in 2022.

Trump’s administration has adopted a rigorous stance against drug trafficking from Mexico and Canada, applying tariffs to both nations as punishment. Relations between Trump and the Colombian president, Gustavo Petro, have also seen tensions following disagreements on migrant deportations, leading Trump to suggest sanctions on Colombia.

Historically, the United States has invested billions into Colombia’s security forces to counter insurgent factions and drug cartels responsible for the supply of cocaine to the U.S. However, Petro’s initiative of “total peace” has resulted in limited military action against drug trafficking groups, consequently revitalizing their operations. Sanchez acknowledged that this policy had empowered certain armed groups, with their numbers reportedly increasing by 1,500 over the past year.

If Colombia were to be decertified, it would significantly impair the military’s operations as they struggle to regain control from leftist guerrillas. Sanchez pointed out that military capabilities have diminished due to budget cuts, particularly in intelligence operations and advanced technologies, which are crucial for effective drug enforcement efforts.

The U.S. has previously decertified Colombia during Ernesto Samper’s presidency, leading to funding disruptions that negatively impacted foreign investment. Following changes in the Colombian government, U.S. support returned with the ‘Plan Colombia,’ aimed at enhancing Colombia’s security infrastructure. Sanchez remains hopeful that the military can restore territorial integrity in Colombia, despite challenges posed by groups like the ELN guerrillas and their control over strategic areas near the Venezuelan border.

In summary, Colombia faces significant challenges as it contends with potential U.S. decertification over drug trafficking issues. Defense Minister Pedro Sanchez has articulated the detrimental consequences such a decision could have, including the risk of escalating cocaine exports to the U.S. and the weakening of bilateral relations. While efforts are underway to avert blacklisting, the situation remains precarious amid rising coca production and shifting military dynamics under President Gustavo Petro’s policies.

Original Source: www.communitynewspapergroup.com

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