Two Wounded in Bombings as Colombia’s New President Vows Hard-Line Approach

POLICY WIRE — Bogotá, Colombia — A day after being sworn in as president, Abelardo de la Espriella is confronting a surge in violence as two bombing attacks struck Colombia. De la Espriella, who campaigned on a hard-line approach to the country’s persistent violence, vowed on social media that there would be no leniency.

The Colombian army reported that FARC dissidents used explosives to destroy a highway tollbooth near Cali. In a separate incident approximately 1,000 kilometers away in the northern department of Cesar, a police officer was killed. The attacks come as de la Espriella begins his term with a promise to crack down on insurgent groups and criminal organizations.

In a statement, de la Espriella said, “There will be no tolerance for those who seek to undermine our nation’s peace and security. We will pursue a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of violence.”

The recent attacks highlight the ongoing challenges faced by Colombia in maintaining stability — and security. The FARC, or Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, officially demobilized under a 2016 peace agreement, but dissident factions continue to operate, engaging in criminal activities and attacks on infrastructure.

Authorities are investigating the incidents to determine the full extent of the damage — and identify those responsible. The attacks have raised concerns about the security situation in the country as de la Espriella’s administration begins.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)