Colombia is attempting to avoid U.S. blacklisting amid rising coca cultivation and strained diplomatic relations. Concerns grow over military capabilities and the influence of drug cartels. Defense Minister Sanchez emphasizes commitment to territorial control, despite challenges posed by the ELN and budget cuts.

Colombia has initiated a diplomatic strategy to prevent being blacklisted by the United States in light of an impending review scheduled for September. However, there is rising apprehension among officials regarding the likelihood of successfully avoiding such a designation, which could jeopardize approximately $500 million in annual U.S. aid. Reports indicate that the cultivation of coca has surged by nearly 70% since President Gustavo Petro assumed office in 2022, according to Colombian and UN data.

Former President Donald Trump has adopted a stringent approach towards drug trafficking, especially concerning influxes from Mexico and Canada, imposing tariffs as punitive measures. Relations between Trump and Colombia’s President Petro have become strained, evidenced by their recent public dispute regarding migrant deportations, where Trump threatened sanctions against Colombia.

For many years, the United States has invested billions in Colombia’s security forces to combat insurgent factions and drug cartels, responsible for over 90% of the cocaine entering the United States. However, President Petro’s policy, termed “total peace,” has resulted in fewer military operations against narcotics traffickers and a decline in enforced coca eradication efforts.

Defense Minister Ivan Sanchez acknowledged that the push for peace may have inadvertently empowered certain armed groups, as their numbers reportedly grew by about 1,500 in the past year. A potential decertification could severely impact the Colombian military during a critical period of rebuilding and reclaiming territories from leftist guerrilla forces.

Sanchez further noted that military capability has diminished in recent years due to budget cuts, leading to deficits in areas such as intelligence and advanced technologies like drones. In the past, the U.S. once decertified Colombia during Ernesto Samper’s presidency, negatively affecting foreign investment and aid.

Despite contemporary challenges, Sanchez expressed a resolute commitment to regain territorial control across Colombia. The National Liberation Army (ELN), which currently dominates certain territories near Venezuela, poses a significant challenge to the government. In a recent engagement with AFP, ELN representatives announced their intent to resist government offensives, warning that the path of peace could transform into a state of war.

In response, Sanchez labeled the ELN as a “narco-criminal group,” promising a robust military response. He also reiterated ambitions to reclaim coca-producing regions controlled by the armed factions, acknowledging the challenges ahead but affirming that reclamation efforts would persist despite the expected toll.

Colombia is proactively seeking to avert blacklisting by the U.S. due to escalating coca cultivation under President Gustavo Petro’s administration. The crumbling relations with former President Trump further complicate matters, especially as narcotic production continues to rise. The Colombian military faces significant challenges amid reduced capabilities and increased threats from groups like the ELN. Nevertheless, authorities remain focused on restoring territorial control, affirming that substantial sacrifices will be made to confront these challenges ahead.

Original Source: www.nzherald.co.nz

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